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ARCHIVED - Spain appeals to British tourists to make up for a lack of Russian holidaymakers
The Costa del Sol is banking on the Britons to bump up visitor numbers this summer
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, around 1.3 million Russian tourists holidayed in Spain during 2019. The numbers began to dwindle due to travel restrictions at the height of the health crisis and just as countries are beginning to open back up, travellers have dropped off once more since the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian tourists contributed hugely to the Spanish economy, particularly on the Costa del Sol, and the General Director of Tourism in Marbella, Laura de Arce, is banking on Britons making up the shortfall.
“To reach the occupation rates we had in 2019, it is vital that the British come back,” she explained.
“This year British tourists will be able to travel without restrictions so we are confident this will help us to make up for any lack of tourism from other markets.
“The British tourists, along with the national tourists, are our main visitors and we are confident that this summer will be incredibly successful.
“So from here I encourage Britons to come as soon as possible to enjoy all the good things that Marbella offers, we are waiting for you with open arms and with all the health safety measures that we have been implementing in recent times.”
The main stumbling block for UK tourists may be the cost, as airlines like Ryanair have confirmed that flights are certainly going to be more expensive this summer season. However, while acknowledging that the current rate of inflation affects virtually everyone, the general director doesn’t believe that cost will be a factor for most Britons.
“It is true that the British tourist who visits Marbella often has higher spending power, so, although they will also suffer the increase in prices, they will not suffer in the same way.
“We want to be optimistic and think that by the summer the situation will have improved,” Ms de Arce said.
In fact, tourist spending by the British, as well as holidaymakers from Germany and France, has already exceeded pre-pandemic levels with the summer not even begun.
Image: Archive
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