We are introducing an extract of the article published at www.costadelsol.org, last January the 8th, informing of the touristic sector performance along 2024 and with some Diputación de Málaga president comments.
Francisco Salado, president of Diputación de Málaga y de Turismo Costa del Sol (Regional Tourism Board), informed in a press conference celebrated January the 8th 2025, that La Costa del Sol ends 2024 with historic figures that strengthen its position as leading touristic destination in Andalucía and one of the Paramount destinations in Spain and Europe.
The president has exposed that La Costa del Sol destination has experienced a growth that duplicates the income, employment figures and revenue the figures of tourists along 2024. Specifically, employment in the tourism sector grew a significant 7% with 137.408 people working, as per the Active Population Survey (EPA). In terms of Hotel revenue, the RevPAR (income from available room) grew a 6% up, reaching 94,85 euros.
“These figures mean the visitors have increased a 3,1%, the income, a 10,9%; employment, 7%, and Hotel revenue, a 6%”, Salado pointed out. “This outcame shows we are moving forward a more sustainable touristic model, with higher quality and better profitability, a strategy the whole Costa del Sol touristic sector is carrying out on a jointly basis” Mr. Salado stated.
Along 2024, la Costa del Sol welcomed 14,47 million tourists, an increase of 3,17% regarding 2023 figures. Notwithstanding, the main growth happened in the Touristic revenue that went up 21.223 million euros, a 10,9% more than the previuous year.
International Market and National challenges
The International Market was the key factor for the outstanding figures achieved, with an increase of 6,9% regarding international travellers lodged in hotels and apartments, meanwhile, the national travellers decreased a 7,5%. In total, a global increase of 1,5% of travellers lodged in registered touristic premises (hotels and apartments).
Among the outstanding international markets, the UK led with 1,18 million travellers (+7,2%), followed by Germany (+12,8%), the Netherlands (+7,3%) and Ireland (+19,9%), with a special mention for the EEUU that registered an increase of 26,1%, reaching 220.615 travellers accomodated in Hotels and Apartments.
Malaga Airport closed 2024 with 12,4 million passengers, 11,7% more than 2023. Furthermore, for 2025 1st quarter, there’s a forecasted 10,7 % increase of the number of air seating availability offered.
On the other side, the regulated touristic lodging offer grew a 13,5%, reaching 659.030 places. The lodged travellers in regulated premises added up to 8,1 millions (+1,2%) and originated 30,5 stays (+3,4%).
2025 Challenges and perspective
Despite these positive outcomes, Salado has warned about the uncertainty the sector is facing in 2025, related with the international context, the economic tensions, and family purchasing power. “We cannot be reckless. We must keep on working to reduce the “seasonality” and to consolidate the touristic model based in quality, revenue and job creation,” he outlined.
Francisco Salado has remarked the commitment of Turismo Costa del Sol, in collaboration with the sector and public administration, to maintain the strength of touristic industry and to grant its sustainability on the long term.
