Friday, August 23, 2024 Valencia is experiencing a significant boom in foreign tourism, with low-cost airlines playing a pivotal role in this surge. According to recent figures from Turespaña , a remarkable 77% of international passengers arriving at Valencia Airport between January and July 2024 opted for budget carriers, underlining their growing influence on the region’s tourism landscape. The city’s emergence as a top destination for global travelers is closely intertwined with the expansion of low-cost airlines .
Carriers like Ryanair have become the preferred option for many visitors, offering budget-friendly fares that make Valencia more accessible to tourists from across Europe. In just seven months, Valencia welcomed 1.72 million foreign passengers on low-cost flights, showcasing the profound impact these airlines have had on the region’s tourism growth.
This shift towards budget travel has only intensified since the pandemic, marking a significant departure from 2019 when 70.2% of international visitors arrived via low-cost carriers. Meanwhile, traditional airlines have seen a slight decrease in passenger numbers, dropping from 534,000 in 2019 to 495,000 in 2024 .
The growing preference for affordable and accessible travel options is reflective of broader changes in the travel industry. Valencia’s tourism boom extends beyond airline choice. During the peak summer months, the region recorded the most significant increase in foreign arrivals among Spain’s leading autonomous regions — Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, Canary Islands, and Valencia .
In July 2024, Valencia saw a 13.1% rise in international visitors compared to the same period the previous year, outpacing other popular destinations like Madrid (10.5%), Andalusia (10.
4%), and Catalonia (10.1%) . This remarkable growth highlights Valencia’s appeal as a destination that combines vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, all made more accessible through affordable travel options.
The surge in tourism is a major boon for the local economy and cements Valencia’s status as a key player in Spain’s tourism industry ..
