Have you been considering embarking on a trip to the Costa del Sol? The “Coast of the Sun” has long been popular among holidaymakers, but this seems to have become even truer a statement recently, as shown by a new, eye-opening statistic.
Of course, this southern Spanish area is iconic for its warm climate and sandy beaches. However, you could also benefit from booking Costa del Sol golf transfers (there are plenty of enticing local golf courses) or exploring the enchanting towns, such as Mijas, Marbella, and Torrox.
Now, according to data from the tourist board Turismo Costa del Sol, the first four months of 2024 saw about eight million overnight stays in the Costa del Sol across a wide range of officially rated accommodation — including hotels, apartments, rural houses, and campsites.
What is the exact number? 8,010,003
As this number does not account for Airbnb-style private holiday lettings in the Costa del Sol, the actual tally of overnight stays in the area is bound to have been even higher.
In any case, the January to April 2024 period set a new four-monthly record. This is particularly impressive given that January and February are traditionally the two quietest months of the year for the Costa del Sol’s tourism scene.
The region’s flow of tourism throughout the year does not fluctuate as markedly as it once did. June, July and August usually make up the “peak season” for Costa del Sol holidays, with 10.4 million nights having been reserved for that period last summer.
The highly cosmopolitan nature of Costa del Sol’s tourist population
Overall, compared to the equivalent period of 2023, the January-to-April segment of 2024 sparked an 18.4% rise in overnight stays by foreign travellers. Between them, these visitors clocked up in excess of 6.1 million booked nights.
Turismo Costa del Sol drew attention to a number of countries that have contributed particularly high increases in visitors — including Poland (89.4%), Ireland (38.2%), and Portugal (19.5%).
“The positive data consolidates the position of the Costa del Sol as a key tourist destination for international travellers, with a significant impact on the local economy,” the tourist board enthused in a statement.
The hotel sector created 11.6% more jobs over the first four months of the year — an increase of nearly 13,000. Even just the data for April 2024 indicates that the Costa del Sol’s tourism sector was at that point thriving in nearly every respect.
Turismo Costa del Sol’s head, Esperanza González, commented: “We are delighted we are maintaining the growth we have been experiencing since the beginning of the year.”
Is it time for you to also join the Costa del Sol party?
If you do fancy making the leap, we can assist you with your preparations. Once you have decided on your itinerary, you can arrange Simply Shuttles transfers, such as Costa del Sol golf transfers if you are keen on teeing off at a major European golfing destination.
To ask us about our reliable drivers and well-maintained vehicles, as well as to book our private hire services, please email [email protected] or call +34 951 279 117.