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Image: Shutterstock/ voyageur8
Costa Calida • Issue No. 2039 • 1 - 7 August 2024
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HOTELS in the Murcia region have hit new highs in the first half of 2024, seeing a record number of travellers and overnight stays. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the region welcomed 692,665 travellers and recorded 1,575,327 overnight stays, both the highest figures ever reported. Traveller numbers increased by 7.6 per cent compared to the same period last year, outpacing the national growth rate of 6 per cent. Domestic travellers rose by 7 per cent, while international visitors grew by 9.8 per cent. Overnight stays also saw a significant boost, up 7.8 per cent year-over-year, surpassing the national average increase of 7.5 per cent. Domestic stays went up by 8.1 per cent, and international stays by 6.9 per cent. June was particularly strong, with 142,607 travellers and 338,707 overnight stays, setting new records for the month. Occupancy rates in June hit 52.04 per cent, and both average daily rates and revenue per available room saw notable increases.
Mediterranean Gateway New record numbers Gains Momentum
Major progress on Mediterranean Corridor.
for freight. The project, which involves a €183 million investment, will include the installation of a third rail and new track configurations to accommodate 750-metre-long trains. The Ministry of Transport emphasises that these updates are crucial for the Mediterranean
Corridor’s development and for boosting freight transport. However, regional business leaders are concerned about the lack of a dedicated freight line between Murcia and Monforte, noting that it will share tracks with passenger trains to both Alicante and Almeria.
The full completion of the Mediterranean Corridor is projected for 2030. In the meantime, significant improvements are anticipated in the next two years, with increased international gauge track and better connectivity for both passengers and freight in the Region of Murcia.
Image: Shutterstock/ fokke baarssen
THE Mediterranean Corridor, a major transport project in Spain, is making significant headway, with 80 per cent of the planned segments now under construction. Stretching from Algeciras to the French border, this critical infrastructure is moving forward despite calls from business leaders for faster progress. By 2026-2027, the Region of Murcia is set to enjoy high-speed connections with Valencia and potentially Almeria. The travel time between Murcia and Valencia is expected to be between 60 and 75 minutes. This week, the Spanish government gave the green light for Adif to bid on the construction of tracks and electrification for the La Encina-Alicante stretch, a vital route
Murcia sees historic growth.
San Javier’s Jazz Festival success SAN JAVIER’S International Jazz Festival has just wrapped up its most successful festival in years, according to David Martínez, the town’s Cultural councillor and festival director. The 26th Jazz Festival, which concluded with a memorable performance by Diana Krall, saw a significant increase in both attendance and revenue. Over the course of 13 nights, the festival drew nearly 25,000 attendees, marking a 33 per cent increase from the previous year. The economic impact is estimated at around €600,000, large-
Images: Facebook/ Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Javier
Jazz San Javier breaks records.
ly due to the fact that over 60 per cent of the audience came from abroad. This influx of international visitors boosted tourism and local spending.
The festival also saw a notable increase in ticket sales, generating an extra €100,000 compared to 2023. Highlights included sold-out shows by Bill
Charlap and Diana Krall, as well as near-capacity performances by Gregory Porter, Calexico, and Cimafunk. In addition to the main events, three free concerts in various locations around the city attracted large crowds and helped broaden the festival’s reach. Martínez stated the success was due to the festival’s quality, variety, and affordable pricing. Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for next year’s edition, with hopes of continuing to offer a worldclass cultural experience in San Javier.
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