Costa del Sol Tops Tourism Charts in April

The Costa del Sol was Spain’s top tourist destination in April, beating other popular tourist spots such as the Costa Brava and the Costa Blanca when it comes to the number of nights spent in hotels. The figures prove the Costa del Sol’s popularity with both foreigners and Spaniards.

Latest statistics released by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estadística), show that the Costa del Sol had a hotel occupancy rate of 50.63% during April with a rate of over 55% at weekends. Over the first four months of the year, the Costa del Sol achieved some of Spain’s best figures for tourism, fantastic news for investors interested in renting their Spanish property.

Once very much a seasonal holiday centre, the Costa del Sol is now an established year-round honeypot. One of the main reasons behind this is the vast range of activities on offer for the tourist. While the sandy beaches undoubtedly constitute its main draw, the miles of sands are just one of the Costa del Sol’s many attractions.

The abundance of first-class golf courses (many championship) have earned the area the title of ‘Costa del Golf’ since the year-round pleasant climate means that golf is also year-round – the winter months are high season for golf. Other world-class sporting events in the area include the recent Andalusian Tennis Experience attended by the world’s top women players and the forthcoming Davis Cup quarter-finals. Both these tennis tournaments are based in Marbella, one of the four European Cities of Sport this year and with a full calendar of events in honour of this.

Culturally, the Costa del Sol is also up there with the best. Malaga’s Picasso Museum is now one of the most visited in Spain and a major attraction within the Costa del Sol’s up-and-coming capital city. Summer festivals draw the crème de la crème when it comes to music. If Lou Reed was the star attraction at last year’s Terral Festival, this year it is the turn of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Those with families also find plenty on the Costa del Sol to keep them busy. Perhaps top of the attractions is the huge Selwo Wildlife Adventure Safari Park, one of the largest wildlife parks in Europe and situated between Estepona and Marbella. Other animal attractions include the award-winning Fuengirola Zoo and Sea Life.

With its wide choice of things to do satisfying a huge range of holidaymakers from golf fanatics to sun worshippers, the Costa del Sol has something for everyone. “This is undoubtedly one of the best short haul holiday destinations from the UK,” says James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, “as confirmed by this year’s tourist figures. These also confirm the rental potential for the area.” James points out that the Costa del Sol’s excellent infrastructure, good weather year-round and choice of leisure activities makes it a favourite with relocators and retirees as well as holiday makers. This translates into potential for both holiday lets and long-term rentals, an important consideration for those considering property investment on the Costa del Sol, particularly when the area currently represents excellent potential for cheap property in Spain.

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