The Costa Dorada and the Terres de l'Ebre registered an average occupancy of 80% during the recent holiday weekend. This figure reflects a solid start to the high season on the Tarragona coastline.
Apartments and campsites sold out all their available places according to data provided by the sector's employers' association. Demand exceeded initial expectations despite meteorological instability.
International tourism boosts hotel occupancy
Around 95 percent of hotel establishments have already opened their doors to the public. Britons and Irish fill the hotels through Reus Airport with force.
France consolidates itself as the first issuing market of foreign visitors. Tourists from the Netherlands show a clear preference for staying in campsites.
"That the holiday falls on a Friday benefits us, because people extend the weekend" - Xavier Guardià, spokesperson for the FEHT
Proximity tourism mixed with school trips and sports tournaments. Tour operating worked at full capacity to capture this mixed flow of visitors.
The rain did not slow spending on restoration
The weather did not accompany too much but it did not affect the global volume of commercial activity. Visitors sought refuge in covered alternatives.
The bad weather directly impacted restaurants and local businesses by concentrating tourists in indoor spaces. Swimming pools and adventure parks absorbed a large part of that influx.
"When the weather is bad, it's very noticeable on the street and all that volume of people has an impact on restaurants" - Xavier Guardià, spokesperson for the FEHT
Guardian explains that mature destinations attract visitors regardless of specific weather conditions. The existing infrastructure allows for the maintenance of economic activity.
From this May bridge onwards, practically all accommodation offerings will be at full capacity until November. The season enters its most intense phase.
The tourist activity will live mainly from tour operators and end-of-course trips. Proximity weekends will sustain occupancy in the coming months.