The latest statistics regarding the tourist industry in the Costa del Sol for the year 2020 have just been released. The report shows that tourism on Costa del Sol is facing financial ruin. In light of the current sanitary crisis worldwide, it was expected that tourists would turn their backs on the Costa del Sol, but the situation makes it difficult to maintain optimism.
The city of Malaga published a report that mirrors a crisis that is similar throughout southern Spain. This week, it was also revealed that the unemployment rate nationwide soars at 16%, and sadly, this figure is expected to be significantly higher in the near future.
According to the report, there was a total turnover of 29 million euros in overnight stays in the province of Malaga in 2019, while in 2020 said turnover was 7.4 million euros, representing a historical record decrease of 75%. To put things in perspective, since the pandemic started in March 2020, Malaga airport has lost 82% of its passengers.
Another conspicuous figure can be found in the number of visitors who reached the city by cruise ship. 460,000 in 2019 against 40,000 in 2020, representing a 91% drop. The COVID-19 pandemic has also forced 1,800 (13%) tourism-related businesses to close. That leaves the industry on the Costa del Sol in free fall.
More than 360,000 Britons are reported to live on the Costa del Sol. In addition, every year millions of Britons travel to the Sun Coast to enjoy its unique climate. In 2019, Malaga airport registered almost 3 million passengers, while in 2020 the figure dropped to 545,000 representing a decrease of 81%.
Spain is still officially under a state of emergency until 31st May 2021. This does not mean that you are not allowed to travel to Spain. You just have to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding the plane to Malaga.
At the time of writing, Coronavirus is still ravaging the country. In Andalusia, many municipalities are now under perimetral shutdown. The city of Malaga is due to shut down tomorrow, only essential shops will be allowed to remain open. Following regional regulations, when a city or town reaches a rate of 1000 infected per 100,000 inhabitants, only essential activity can remain open. Yesterday, Malaga reached the figure of 1008.
This in turn puts maximum pressure on traders on the Costa del Sol. Many hope that the summer will once again bring tourists to the region. Several UK media sources have erroneously announced that travellers will not be able to visit Spain before late summer, which is not the case.
