Benalmádena is recording a significant drop in Finnish tourists in 2023. What is it doing about it?

After analyzing data published by the Turismo Costa del Sol Tourism Board, Benalmádena City Hall announced that the number of Finnish tourists visiting the town has significantly decreased. Last year, the number of Finnish visitors to this town decreased by 2,200 people, which means that compared to 2022 there were 8,000 fewer overnight stays.

City Hall said the city could not afford to lose Finnish tourists, although the reality would be much different given that one of the world’s largest Finnish communities is in the neighboring town of Fuengirola. Tourism Councilor Preci Aguilera said this “should be a pillar of attraction that the town will benefit from.”

Aguilera expressed the need to intensify promotions that focus on the tastes and demands of Scandinavians, which he felt was one of the main reasons for the decline in visitor numbers.

With the clear aim of recovering the Nordic market lost last year, Benalmádena will be promoted at the Matka Nordic Travel Fair, the largest tourism fair in the Nordic and Baltic countries, which will be held from the 18th to the 21st. . Helsinki in January.

Besides Benalmádena, other municipalities such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Antequera will also participate in the fair.

Benalmadena has already held talks with several Finnish travel companies, the Finnish National Olympic Committee and the Finnish Football Association.

Aguilera explained that the idea is to position Benalmádena, Finland as a sports destination, emphasizing the beauty and quality of its golf courses, various leisure parks, beaches, and practices in outdoor recreation and sports activities.

“With a wealth of attractions for all ages, it is a reference destination for family vacations.”

Now in its 10th year, the trade show attracts approximately 1,000 exhibitors from 90 countries and more than 70,000 visitors.

“For Benalmádena, this fair is important because it contributes to the deseasonalization of tourism, as Scandinavian tourists mainly come in winter,” Aguilera said.