Over the years, Middle Eastern holidaymakers have not been an uncommon sight in this area, often enjoying the luxury of some of Marbella’s most exclusive locations. And this year, our tourism sector expects a bumper season, largely due to record numbers of high-spending Arab visitors.
The mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, confirmed that the tourism board was informed this year of several summer visits from royal families of Arab states who planned to return to Marbella for their holidays.
A contributing factor for the increase in numbers this year is believed to be the fact that representatives of the tourism sector actively promoted the Costa del Sol in Dubai. They attended the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with a gathering of prestigious local suppliers in a bid to further draw attention the area.
The Alanda Hotel Marbella on the Golden Mile is the first hotel in Spain to be certified as halal and its rooms are equipped with signs showing which way Mecca is for prayer times. José Ramón Urzay, sales director, said, “After the ATM, our expectations are really high for this year. Predictions are for an increase of around 20 per cent in July and August.”
As the Ramadan season finished on 4 June – earlier than some other years – Muslim stays could also be longer than usual. Muñoz highlighted the importance of improved air links to the Middle East that contributed to “fantastic visitor numbers.”
Tourism from Arab countries is one of the fastest-growing sectors and, with their substantial spending power, Middle Eastern holidaymakers promise to bring further wealth to our city. They relish the wide-ranging family activities on offer, along with Andalusian history and culture, not forgetting the lavish five star hotels dotted in and around Marbella.
On the Costa del Sol, we are conveniently connected by direct twice-weekly flights from Saudi Arabia, while more flights from Qatar began at the close of Ramadan.
