Semana Santa is nearing full capacity. National demand typical of the season combines with a rebound in international tourism after months of record activity in visitors and spending. The only sour note could be the weather, with forecasts not favorable in many parts of Spain. Hoteliers anticipate a 14% rise over 2023 and a 25% increase versus 2019, in line with spring expectations, according to the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations (Cehat) (Source: Cehat).
“The strong days are expected to run around 85%, always depending on geographic location and the type of product, which can be more sensitive to the weather,” says Jorge Marichal, president of Cehat. Travel agencies are optimistic as well. The Corporative Association of Specialized Travel Agencies (Acave) expects an average booking rise of 5% to 10% compared with the same period in 2023 (Source: Acave).
Many visitors plan last-minute. This year coincides with most ski resorts open and with snow, which could trigger a surge in arrivals. “We always wait to see if it snows or if we have good weather to make last-minute reservations that can push occupancy beyond the 85% forecast,” adds Marichal. For urban destinations like Madrid, the Madrid Hotel Business Association (AEHM) estimates city occupancy around 70% during the week of March 25 to 31, rising notably to about 74% between March 28 and 31 (Source: AEHM).
Apart from the high occupancy figures, prices will be elevated for holidays that will be more expensive than pre-pandemic levels, but also higher than last year. February’s consumer price index (CPI) data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show national travel packages 36% more expensive than in February 2019 and 18% higher than 2023; hotels up 32.1% and 9%, respectively; bars and restaurants up 19.4% and 5%, respectively. The Spanish Hospitality Association forecasts Semana Santa to generate about 10% more revenue than in 2023, which itself was 14.5% above the year before (Source: INE; Hostelería de España).
Popular destinations
International direct flight seats for Semana Santa and Easter total 4.38 million, 5.2% higher than in the same period of 2023. Many tourists are coming to Spain for the holidays, while others are leaving. Among international favorites for Spanish travelers are Portugal, Italy, and France, with cities like Lisbon, Albufeira, Porto, London, Rome, and Paris leading preferences, according to the online agency Destinia. Among domestic destinations, Salou, Benidorm, Mojácar, Cambrils, or Playa del Inglés in the Canary Islands are highlighted (Source: Destinia).
eDreams lists Paris, Rome, Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Seville as the top ten most visited destinations, in that order. Trainline, the European rail and bus reservation platform, notes Málaga, Albacete, Alicante, Segovia, and Cádiz as the most sought-after destinations this Semana Santa, with the highest traveler growth versus last year (Source: eDreams; Trainline).
Regarding foreign visitors, the German nationality leads the reservations with 28% of total bookings, followed by French (20%), Italian (11%), British (7%), and Swiss (6%). For destinations, Barcelona and Madrid remain Europe’s favorites, though warm weather boosts interest in coastal spots like Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and the Levante coast (Alicante and Valencia) (Source: eDreams).