The travel voucher proved to be a crucial lifeline for defending rural settlements in Alicante during this week, safeguarding a segment known as the Constitution and the Unsullied. The incentive program backed by the regional government drew enough customers to offset losses from higher outbound travel. As a result, organizations anticipate finishing the week with activity levels near eighty percent.
The rural tourism sector in Alicante has enjoyed a favorable period thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many visitors chose inland retreats for safety and space away from crowds. With restrictions gradually easing and disease control improving, standard tourist patterns have begun to return, a trend already evident during the previous summer as beach destinations absorbed large crowds at the expense of rural areas.
Indira Amaya, president of the Alicante Turismo Interior association and manager of the Masía La Mota hotel in Font Roja, noted that international travel is on the rise again. This trend is particularly noticeable in a sector that depends heavily on domestic tourism.
The macro bridge period is again shaping the week, but a compensating factor emerges in the form of travel vouchers. Amaya highlights discounts of up to sixty percent on business rates. She explained that the Generalitat program has provided substantial support, enabling operators to maintain weekend activity and helping many organizations preserve operations during these festive periods.
This sentiment is echoed at Cases Noves hotel in Guadalest, operated by Antonio Serrano, which remains open through the week. The establishment has achieved almost full occupancy, with many guests booking two-night stays. The travel bonus, according to Serrano, attracted visitors primarily from the Valencian Community.
Similar dynamics were observed at La Alqueria del Pilar rural house in Banyeres. Owner María Gimeno reported that nearly all guests arrived using vouchers, a tool she found extremely useful for stimulating local activity. The property experienced high occupancy near weekends even though full sign-ons were unlikely during weekdays.
Ramón Reche from Nou Savoy hotel in Alcoy and the vice presidency of the Alicante Turismo Interior association corroborates the positive impact of the Generalitat-supported initiative. He noted that it offers greater continuity as customers can visit stores at a reduced price and discover new places they had not previously explored.
Despite the strong performance, Reche cautioned that not all signs are rosy. He pointed out rising costs across the board, from electricity and food to various raw materials and service fees. Such pressures could dampen customer enthusiasm if not managed carefully. Additionally, repayments on ICO loans taken during the height of the pandemic loom, a factor that could trigger further economic disruption.