The Turismo Alicante Interior association has positively assessed the tourist occupancy forecasts for the imminent Moors and Christians Festival in Alcoy, which begins this Friday. These festivities, recognized as being of International Tourist Interest, are consolidating their position as a fundamental driver for tourism and the economy of the entire region, as reported by the association, which is part of Fedac (Federation of Companies of l'Alcoià and El Comtat).
It is estimated that the festivals generate an annual economic impact of 25 million euros, which includes everything from hospitality to commercial activity, as well as costume making and all the necessary infrastructure for their development. This data was collected in a study carried out by a graduate in Business Administration from the Alcoy Campus of the UPV.
“"We are facing one of the most important moments of the year for the tourism and hospitality sector in Alcoy and its surroundings. The festivals provide a fundamental boost for both hotels and rural houses."
Data indicates 100% occupancy in urban accommodations during Friday and Saturday, coinciding with the Day of the Musicians and the Entradas (Parades), which are the days with the highest influx of visitors. However, occupancy decreases during Sunday, Saint George's Day, and Monday, Day of the Trons (Thunder), standing at around 70% in city accommodations.
This circumstance is common, especially on Monday, as it is a working day and the nature of the gunpowder act does not attract all types of public. In rural tourism, the trend is similar, though with slightly lower figures. During the weekend, rural houses reach close to 90% occupancy, while on Sunday and Monday, this is reduced to approximately 40%.
Turismo Alicante Interior considers that these figures are in line with previous years. The association highlights the challenge of deseasonalization, since, beyond the peaks generated by events such as the festivals, the goal is to achieve stable annual occupancy figures of around 55-60%.
