Valencia grew 8% in overnight stays compared to 2010 to reach 3,874,332, the highest figure in the history of tourism in the city.
The economic impact generated by tourism in Valencia was close to €1,500 million, higher than the €1.396 million recorded in 2010.
The key to success has been the impetus of leisure tourism, which accounts for more than 65% of travellers visiting the city and the improved internationalisation of the city's tourism. The international market is responsible for 51% of the revenue for 2011.
Many foreign markets in 2011 have an increased interest in Valencia. Italy reached the high figure of 580,000 overnight stays, growing by 46%. France has had a 30% increase in overnight stays from 2010 to reach about 145,000. The UK is stable with more than 160,000. Outside the main markets, Valencia continues its growth in 2011; with an 11% improvement in US tourism since 2010, totalling 100,000 overnight stays. Visits from both Switzerland and Sweden grew by 23% in just one year, Denmark by 32%, Portugal by 41% and Austria by about 60%.
The average nights stayed in Valencia has also increased the average nights stayed from 1.99 in 2010 to 2.12 nights.
With 126 hotels and over 17,500 hotel rooms, average occupancy in the city of Valencia has also improved; achieving 62.4%, up from 61.2% last year.
In 2011 cruise tourism has excelled, with about 400,000 passengers, a figure 55% higher than that recorded in 2010 and double that of 2009.
2012-2015 Strategic Plan for Valencia
The strategic plan developed by Valencia Tourism for the next four years aims to generate a cumulative economic impact of between 7,000 and 8,000 million euros, This would translate into an average annual impact of 2,000 million. Valencia Tourism also expects to reach five million overnight stays, of which 57% are international, 6% more than in 2011. Valencia Tourism also wants to reach an average stay of 2.2 nights per tourist and an average occupancy rate of between 75% and 80%.
For more information on Valencia, please visit http://www.turisvalencia.es/.
Press Enquiries:
media@turisvalencia.es