"Sun, Sea, and Success: Tourism Thrives on the Costa del Sol in 2023"

The sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol have been a perennial favourite among travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. In 2023, the tourism industry on the Costa del Sol continued its impressive growth trajectory, setting the stage for an even more promising 2024. 

The Costa del Sol is a mecca for beach lovers! With more than 150km of coastline, it is no surprise that there are plenty of beaches to choose from. However, if you are looking for the cream of the crop, the beaches that have been awarded a Blue Flag are your best bet. The Top Blue Flag Beaches on the Costa del Sol

Tourism Numbers in 2023 and Projections for 2024 

In 2023, the Costa del Sol witnessed a record-breaking year in terms of tourism numbers. The region welcomed a staggering 12.5 million visitors, a 15% increase from the previous year. These numbers are not only indicative of the enduring appeal of this Spanish paradise but also underscore the industry's resilience in the face of global challenges. 

And the good news keeps coming, as there is a good chance that hotels along the Costa del Sol will finish the year on a stronger note than they did in 2019, which was the most successful year for tourism in the history of Malaga province. 

According to the Costa del Sol Hoteliers Organisation (Aehcos), October had an average occupancy rate of approximately 84%, and November and December are likely to have higher occupancy rates than 2019 numbers. (source: Sur in English) 

Looking ahead to 2024, the prospects appear even brighter. Projections indicate that the Costa del Sol is set to host approximately 13.8 million tourists, a significant 10% increase from 2023. This anticipated growth is fuelled by a combination of factors, including effective marketing strategies, favourable exchange rates, and improved transportation links. 

It's worth bearing in mind that figures are forecast to spike in August 2026 due to the next Total Solar Eclipse in Spain: Click here to read more about in our Guide To The Next Total Solar Eclipse In Spain: 2026.

The Growing Popularity of Vacation Rentals

On the Costa del Sol, vacation rentals have become an increasingly common alternative to traditional hotel stays. The number of listings on vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO has increased recently, providing tourists with the opportunity to get a feel for local life. According to Statista, in the year 2022, vacation rentals made up a quarter of the market for all types of accommodations.

If you own a vacation property in Spain, you may be thinking of renting it out to visitors to supplement your income. However, before you can begin accepting guests, you must first obtain a licence that classifies your property as a "Vivienda Vacacional." The Touristic License (Vivienda Vacacional) is required for all vacation homes in Spain and is an essential step in legally renting out your property to tourists. 

Nationalities of Frequent Visitors 

The Costa del Sol has long been celebrated for its cosmopolitan charm, attracting visitors from around the globe. Over the past five years, the following nationalities have been the most frequent visitors to this sunny destination. British tourists have consistently topped the list, followed by Germans, French, Scandinavian visitors, and Russians. While these figures may vary from year to year, the appeal of the Costa del Sol transcends national borders.

Costa Golf: The Costa del Sol’s excellent climate and the fact that its popular high season for golf coincides with the low season in most Northern European seaside resorts are two more reasons why tourists come to southern Spain year-round. Mediterranean Homes based in Coín, have compiled a list of the top 10 low-cost golf courses on the Costa del Sol. 

Employment in the Tourism Industry 

The tourism sector on the Costa del Sol has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities for residents. As of 2023, it employs approximately 150,000 people in various roles, including hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. This not only bolsters the local economy but also fosters a sense of community involvement.

Malaga Port Set to Welcome 51 Cruise Ships During the Month of November  

According to the Cruise Forecast on the Malaga Port website, the port is to welcome 51 cruise ships during the month of November 2023 representing a total of 134,041 passengers.  The port's busiest day was Friday 3 November, when five cruise ships docked in the port carrying 7,238 passengers.

The spring season, which occurred in April and May, saw strong cruise ship traffic, then in September the trend continued with even higher numbers.  

The Port Authority has revealed that in September they hosted 33 cruise ship visits from 28 different vessels, representing 21 cruise companies—an increase in numbers compared to the same period in 2022. 

Breaking down the September visit saw 13 days with one cruise ship arrival each day, four days with two visits on the same day, and three days hosting four cruise ships simultaneously. There were also ten days without any cruise ship docked. September was certainly a bustling month for cruise ship activity, setting the stage for an even busier October with 41 cruise ship visits. (source The Olive Press) 

Malaga will host the Seatrade Cruise Med in 2024, the notice has been announced in STC Europe in Hamburg

Economic Impact on the Costa del Sol

The tourism industry is the backbone of the Costa del Sol's economy, contributing significantly to the region's prosperity. In 2023, it is estimated that the sector generated over €12 billion in revenue. This includes spending on accommodations, dining, transportation, and various leisure activities. The ripple effect of tourism extends to supporting a wide range of businesses, from local markets to artisan shops.

Given the forthcoming substantial enhancements to long-distance, high-speed train transportation and the unprecedented number of air routes connecting the Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport with the rest of the globe, it is unsurprising that the Coast will persist in flourishing—both as a tourist hotspot and as a permanent residence, given that it offers some of the finest and most diverse real estate for sale in Spain. 

“The number of Americans living in Spain grew by 13% from 2019 to 2021, and home sales to Americans jumped 88% from the first half of 2019 to the first half of 2022, according to a report by the General Council of Notaries in Spain”. (Source CNBC JUL 17, 2023) What's Driving the Increase?

Andalucia travels to London's World Travel Market in pursuit of youthful visitors

A new tourism campaign, Andalusian Crush, showcases the region to potential future visitors through the lens of its rich cultural identity, with a Game of Thrones theme. (Source Breaking Travel News BTN).

In conclusion, the Costa del Sol remains a cherished destination for travellers worldwide, with 2023 marking a milestone year of growth and success in the tourism industry. With promising projections for 2024 and a diverse group of international visitors,

The future of this Spanish paradise is as bright as its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant culture. The industry's contribution to employment and the local economy underlines its crucial role in the region's continued prosperity.

Investing in a Short-Term Rental Property in Spain

Owning a bed and breakfast or holiday let on the Costa del Sol is a great idea if you're looking for a second source of income or if renting out properties is your primary source of income. Check out our Bed and Breakfasts for sale on the Costa del Sol.