Tourism sector gathers over 2,000 professionals at the 46th coastal business fair
A large gathering took place yesterday as more than two thousand tourism industry professionals came together. The 46th edition of the fair, which connects coastal farming and maritime sectors, was hosted at the Torremolinos Congress Palace. The event aimed to streamline billing and boost visitor influx, while showcasing how beachside businesses complement the broader coastal economy. This is the sort of gathering that signals a strong, integrated approach to coastal tourism development in the region.
National spokespeople from the association were joined by delegates from abroad, including representatives from Italy and Portugal. Mayors and councilors from various Andalusian provinces attended as well. For instance, the mayor of Almunecar, Juan Jose Ruiz, had the chance to learn first-hand how neighboring Costa del Sol promotes abroad and diversifies offerings in beach bars and clubs. Nearby Nerja and the municipalities of Almeria were also represented, along with other coastal towns of Málaga, including the capitals Rincon de la Victoria and Torremolinos. This mix underscored a shared commitment to year-round tourism strategies across the region.
Arturo Bernal, previously responsible for tourism in the Malaga Provincial Assembly, spoke from the Torremolinos venue with many of the region’s key beach industry leaders. He stressed decades of experience in the corporate field and urged stakeholders to keep the onshore offer competitive throughout the year.
Malaga’s hospitality sector already employs over 120,000 people, and beach entrepreneurs play a vital role in the economy. Bernal described the event as a consolidated milestone, noting it as one of the most important fairs in the Andalusian tourism industry.
According to Bernal, the coastal business community is leading the modernization and digitization push to better manage seasonality. The consultant Salado, present at the event, highlighted a broad, year-round offering beyond the summer months, designed to attract travelers throughout the year and expand visitor experiences.
Attention also turned to the Andalusia 2027 Sustainable Tourism General Plan, with discussions on its target goals and concrete steps: boosting tourism employment, coordinating processes, and recognizing the work of professionals in the sector. Regional leaders emphasized complementarity between the traditional sun-and-beach draw and newly introduced products that expand the visitor’s journey across the province and the wider region.
For regional leaders who have long focused on coastal development, the fair underscored the value of a balanced portfolio. The sun-and-beach model can coexist with other experiences, ensuring that various attractions enrich the traveler’s itinerary and deepen the regional tourism ecosystem.
Hotel occupancy trends point to a strong Andalusian bridge period
Forecasts for the Andalusia Day Bridge weekend look favorable for Málaga Province, with the Costa del Sol Hotel Entrepreneurs Association predicting an occupancy rate around 69.18 percent in the festival period, just shy of the 72.20 percent benchmark observed on the same date a year earlier. The hospitality sector is cautiously optimistic as February occupancy is projected to be about 65.15 percent. This marks a modest rise from 2019, which stood at 61.78 percent. About 60 percent of visitors in the province are international travelers, with the remaining 40 percent coming from domestic markets. The association’s president cautioned that profitability remains challenged by inflation and rising interest rates, urging prudent planning.
Among municipalities, Málaga city leads forecasts for the bridge period with an occupancy near 78 percent. In the eastern coastal strip, Nerja is predicted to reach around 57.49 percent, while other nearby towns are also projecting solid numbers. Overall, Málaga Province shows strong momentum as February nears its end. The three cities posting the highest figures for this February are Málaga capital at roughly 79.04 percent, Nerja at 50.87 percent, and the eastern coastal town of Roquetas in the round-up at about 46.43 percent.