Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Petrer, a picturesque gem in inland Alicante, has become an unstoppable tourism powerhouse, drawing nearly as many visitors as its entire population. In 2024, the city welcomed 29,429 visitors, marking a sensational 9% growth compared to the previous year’s 27,092. For a municipality with just 34,000 residents, these figures are nothing short of staggering.
Tourism Triumph: “When Visitors Outnumber Locals” David Morcillo, Petrer’s enthusiastic Councillor for Tourism, could hardly contain his excitement. “When the number of visitors surpasses the population of the city, it signifies that tourism is consolidating,” Morcillo said, as Petrer inches closer to cementing itself as a premier destination in Spain. The majority of Petrer’s visitors hail from Spain, but this doesn’t detract from the gravity of its tourism achievement.
The breakdown is compelling: While the majority of visitors remain local, Petrer is basking in newfound international attention. In 2024, tourists arrived from 58 countries, a testament to the city’s growing global allure. Countries like Indonesia, Somalia, and Vietnam appeared on the list for the first time, alongside stalwarts like the United States, France, and Germany.
Key International Statistics Petrer has leveraged its cultural treasures, culinary excellence, and strategic location in inland Alicante to skyrocket its tourism numbers. A blend of traditional Spanish charm and modern initiatives has capture.