Tourists are reluctant to say goodbye to summer, and data for the first half of September in Alicante province confirm this sentiment. Across many destinations, occupancy figures echo those seen in the very first half of August, underscoring strong demand as summer stretches into early autumn. Hosbec notes that September is positioned as one of the most attractive months on the calendar, close to the stellar late-summer peak. The back-to-school routine and the return to work shift the profile of visitors, with seniors and couples traveling more frequently as families wrap up their holidays. — Hosbec.
National tourism remains robust, but there is a noticeable rise in international participation. Travelers from abroad are drawn to sun and beach offerings while avoiding the high crowds of August and preferring the milder temperatures typical of September. — Hosbec.
Benidorm stands out with occupancy at 91 percent, drawing 65 percent of its guest mix from international markets. The British lead the international cohort, accounting for 40.4 percent of total demand, ahead of domestic guests by 5.6 points. — Hosbec.
The Costa Blanca region shows a similar international surge, up 15 percentage points from the last two weeks of August. Origin markets expand with Britain representing 16.1 percent, followed by Belgium at 5.4 percent and the Netherlands at 4.7 percent. — Hosbec.
Valencia city shows a 70 percent international share, with travelers from the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy leading. Yet the dominance of international visitors does not extend equally to every area; Castellón province and Gandía see a domestic majority of 85 percent of the total. — Hosbec.
In Castellón and Gandía the domestic market maintains a significant lead, accounting for about 85 percent of the total tourism share and reflecting the region’s strong local pull. — Hosbec.
The first half of September shows bookings above 2023 levels, with averages around 85 percent in Valencia and Alicante and near 70 percent in Castellón overall. — Hosbec.
Overall, the shoulder-season period continues to deliver solid demand, with international travelers reshaping the regional tourism landscape. This shift signals new opportunities for hospitality operators, travel services and local experiences that appeal to longer-stay visitors and couples alike.
Looking ahead, North American travelers are increasingly present in the mix as the region broadens its appeal during September, complementing the traditional European markets. These trends reinforce Alicante and the Costa Blanca as year-round options with resilient occupancy and a growing diversity of markets. — Hosbec.
These findings highlight Alicante and the Costa Blanca as appealing, enduring destinations beyond peak summer weeks, with sustained occupancy and a robust mix of markets that supports ongoing growth.