THE Region of Murcia saw a 16.4 per cent increase in foreign tourists during the first half of 2024, reaching 475,639 visitors. This makes it the fourth community in Spain with the highest growth in international tourism, according to the Frontur Survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Additionally, the Egatur Survey by the INE reports that Murcia experienced the third-highest economic impact from international tourism, with €659.2 million generated, a 34.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The average stay for foreign tourists in Murcia during this period was 13.54 days, surpassing the national average of 7.08 days. This makes Murcia
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Lend a hand at Hugo’s HUGO’s Home Farm is looking to expand and is seeking local volunteers to help make it happen. The farm, located in a small Spanish village near Camposol, aims to increase its capacity from nine to 18 horses, but needs community support to achieve this. To ensure the animals receive the best care, local volunteers are needed for various roles. These include feeding, grooming, and general maintenance, with opportunities to also help with smaller animals like meerkats and parrots. Volunteering at Hugo’s Home Farm offers a chance to learn about horse care, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to a positive environment. The farm provides training for those interested in working with horses and invites volunteers to help with gardening and maintenance tasks as well. Volunteer shifts are available daily from 8-10.30am and 5-7.30pm. Whether full-time residents or seasonal visitors, those willing to commit a few hours weekly are encouraged to join and help support the farm’s mission. Contact Cb22@hotmail.co.uk for more information. Image: Facebook/Hugos Home Farm
Foreign tourists flock to Murcia FREE
Image: Shutterstock/ Sonia Bonet
Costa Calida • Issue No. 2040 • 8 - 14 August 2024
Tourism booms in 2024.
the community with the longest average stay for visitors. In June, the average stay further extended to 14.76 days. The UK was the leading source of international tourists to Murcia, with 142,362 visitors, representing 29.9 per cent of the total. France followed with
79,118 tourists (16.6 per cent), and Belgium was third with 58,717 tourists (12.3 per cent). The Nordic countries contributed 39,970 tourists (8.4 per cent), while the Netherlands and Germany accounted for 29,302 (6.2 per cent) and 24,414 (5.1 per cent) tou-
rists, respectively. June also saw a record expenditure of €137.5 million from international tourism and recorded 92,858 foreign tourists, a 2.1 per cent rise from the previous year, further solidifying Murcia as a prime tourist destination in Spain.
VOLUNTEER NOW: Help Hugo’s Farm.
Murcia one of top five cities to live in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has recently named Murcia as one of the top five cities in Spain to live in, surprising many who might have expected larger cities like Valencia or Sevilla to dominate the list. This recognition highlights Murcia’s growing appeal, particularly for those seeking a balance between quality of life and affordability. The ranking, which evaluates cities based on factors such as housing costs, accessibility to services, and recreational opportunities, places Murcia in fourth place overall. This marks a significant achie-
Image: Shutterstock/ saiko3p
Murcia ranks among Spain’s best.
vement for the city, known for its Mediterranean climate that offers mild winters and warm summers.
The favourable weather, combined with its renowned culinary scene, makes it an attractive option for
potential residents. Murcia’s food culture is a notable feature, with fresh, local products available at reasonable prices. The city’s markets and restaurants are celebrated for offering high-quality cuisine. This recent acknowledgment from National Geographic highlights a broader trend of increased appreciation for Murcia’s unique qualities, setting it apart from traditionally favoured Spanish cities. The cities that made the top 10 are as follows: Bilbao, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Mallorca, Murcia, Málaga, Zaragoza, Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid.
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