It seems that tourists everywhere have been packing their sun cream and heading off to Spain this year for some summer beach time. 2014 has seen millions of foreign visitors flock to Spanish shores, with a record 8.3 million in July alone – up 5.9% year on year, according to the country’s tourism ministry. Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria comments,
“If the trend continues I think we will have a good August, too.”
The impressive visitor numbers are backed by further positive news, as figures from the Tourist Expenditure Survey (EGATUR) show a record spending increase of 7% year on year from January to July. Total tourist expenditure for the period reached €34.5 million, while July alone saw expenditure of €8.1 million – another record and an increase of 4.5%.
The Spanish economy has welcomed the additional tourists and their eagerness to spend more than ever before. The impact on unemployment in tourist-driven areas such as the Balearics has been positive, with the number of people out of work falling 0.24% in August compared with the previous year. Data from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security registered the largest monthly drop in unemployment in the services industry, with 133 fewer people unemployed.
The Balearics, along with mainland Spain, have been enjoying a share of increased visitor numbers. Some 6.2 million tourists visited the islands between January and July, 0.8% more than for the same period in 2013. The Frontur tourist movement survey shows that July was 3.9% better than the year before for Balearic visitor numbers.
With stunning beaches, excellent sailing and water sports facilities, distinctive cuisine and plentiful sunshine, it’s not too hard to see the Balearics’ appeal. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, one of Spain’s most prestigious and respected homebuilders, comments,
“To my mind, the Balearics are paradise on Earth. Mallorca, in particular, is an incredible place to visit. It offers holidaymakers everything they could wish for, whether they’re holidaying as a young couple, a family group or a retirees. Mallorca’s charms captured my imagination from the moment I first set foot on the island – so much so that I was compelled to make it my home.
“The impressive tourism figures show Spain’s recovering strength as a nation and reflect the fantastic leisure pursuits, weather and recreational activities that this wonderfully varied country has to offer.”
For those, like Marc, who want more than just a brief holiday under the Mallorcan sunshine, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of delightful homes on the island, from two bedroom luxury apartments with communal pool close to the beaches, coves and amenities of Porto Cristo (from €230,000), to pretty townhouses just 50 m from Camp de Mar beach (from €377,000).
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
