Latest news with #Mabrian
Irish Examiner
14-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
'Prices have risen outrageously': Spaniards avoid holiday hotspots overrun by foreign tourists
International holidaymakers are keeping Spaniards off their own sun-kissed beaches due to ever-rising hotel and rental prices during an unprecedented tourism boom. Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 people last year, whereas foreign visitors rose 1.94 million, according to previously unreported official data reviewed by analysis firm inAtlas. The trend looks sure to continue as the world's second-most visited country — after France — anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors this year. "Prices have risen outrageously. The whole Spanish coast is very expensive," said Wendy Davila, 26. She cancelled an "exorbitant" trip with her boyfriend in Cadiz on the south coast for a cheaper visit to the inland city of Burgos, famed for its Gothic cathedral and the tomb of 11th-century commander El Cid. "Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can," added Davila, who is nostalgic for childhood beach holidays in Alicante on the Mediterranean. With a population of 48 million — half the number of foreign visitors each year — Spain relies heavily on tourism, which contributes more than 13% of GDP. But protests are growing over housing shortages exacerbated by mass tourism — and could be exacerbated by the indignity for Spaniards being priced out of their favourite holidays. Hotel prices have risen 23% in the past three years to an average of €136 a night, according to data company Mabrian. Beachfront rentals have also climbed 20.3% since mid-2023, according to price monitoring firm Tecnitasa, with most of them booked out for the summer by the first quarter. "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals," said Tecnitasa group president Jose Maria Basanez. Foreign tourists stayed an average of eight nights at top Spanish beaches last year, with locals only affording half that time and spending a quarter of the money, inAtlas said. In fact, resort hotels are modifying down their forecasts for this summer, even despite the foreign boom, partly because places where residents tend to take their holidays expect slower sales. Spaniards also made near 400,000 fewer trips to the country's major cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, while foreign tourist visits there increased by almost three million. Aware of the brewing discontent and disparities, Spain's socialist government is encouraging international tourists to explore inland attractions to address overcrowding and diversify. "If we want to continue to be leaders in international tourism, we have to decentralise our destinations," tourism minister Jordi Hereu said at the launch of a first campaign to highlight Spain's lesser-known charms in June. We want Europeans and those from other continents to rethink their idea of the Spain they love and visit so much. Spaniards have a strong tradition of escaping for family holidays in the hot summer months, but they are turning more to Airbnb rentals than hotels, and swapping Catalonia or the Balearic Islands for lesser-known destinations in Andalucia or Castille and Leon, where prices are lower and mass tourism is yet to hit. Last year, 1.7 million more Spaniards holidayed in generally more affordable inland areas, according to inAtlas. In the mountain town of El Bosque for example, 100km from the beaches of Cadiz on the Atlantic, the number of Spanish tourists increased by 22% last year. "There may be a certain displacement effect," said Juan Pedro Aznar, professor and researcher at the Madrid-based Esade business school, noting Spaniards' lower purchasing power compared to British and German tourists. For some Spaniards, it is best to avoid the summer crowds altogether. Nurse Maria de la Jara will stay in Madrid this summer, only going south to visit family in Cadiz once the busy season is over. "I used to go to my family's house, but there are more and more foreign tourists in Cadiz and when a cruise ship arrives, the population doubles," said the 51-year-old. "It's overwhelming."
AsiaOne
14-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Spaniards struggle to enjoy their own beaches in tourist deluge, World News
MADRID — International holidaymakers are keeping Spaniards off their own sun-kissed beaches due to ever-rising hotel and rental prices during an unprecedented tourism boom. Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 people last year whereas foreign visitors rose 1.94 million, according to previously unreported official data reviewed by analysis firm inAtlas. The trend looks sure to continue as the world's second-most visited country — after France — anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors this year. "Prices have risen outrageously. The whole Spanish coast is very expensive," said Wendy Davila, 26. She cancelled an "exorbitant" trip with her boyfriend in Cadiz on the south coast for a cheaper visit to the inland city of Burgos, famed for its Gothic cathedral and the tomb of 11th century commander El Cid. "Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can," added Davila, who is nostalgic for childhood beach holidays in Alicante on the Mediterranean. With a population of 48 million — half the number of foreign visitors each year — Spain relies heavily on tourism, which contributes more than 13 per cent of GDP. But protests are growing over housing shortages exacerbated by mass tourism — and could be exacerbated by the indignity for Spaniards being priced out of their favourite holidays. Hotel prices have risen 23 per cent in the past three years to an average of 136 euros (S$203) a night, according to data company Mabrian. Beachfront rentals have also climbed 20.3 per cent since mid-2023, according to price monitoring firm Tecnitasa, with most of them booked out for the summer by the first quarter. "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals," said Tecnitasa Group President Jose Maria Basanez. Foreign tourists stayed an average of eight nights at top Spanish beaches last year, with locals only affording half that time and spending a quarter of the money, inAtlas said. In fact resort hotels are modifying down their forecasts for this summer, even despite the foreign boom, partly because places where residents tend to take their holidays expect slower sales. Spaniards also made near 400,000 fewer trips to the country's major cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, while foreign tourist visits there increased by almost three million. Going inland Aware of the brewing discontent and disparities, Spain's socialist government is encouraging international tourists to explore inland attractions to address overcrowding and diversify. "If we want to continue to be leaders in international tourism, we have to decentralise our destinations," Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said at the launch of a first campaign to highlight Spain's lesser-known charms in June. "We want Europeans and those from other continents to rethink their idea of the Spain they love and visit so much." Spaniards have a strong tradition of escaping for family holidays in the hot summer months, but they are turning more to Airbnb rentals than hotels, and swapping Catalonia or the Balearic Islands for lesser-known destinations in Andalucia or Castille and Leon where prices are lower and mass tourism is yet to hit. Last year, 1.7 million more Spaniards holidayed in generally more affordable inland areas, according to inAtlas. In the mountain town of El Bosque for example, 100km from the beaches of Cadiz on the Atlantic, the number of Spanish tourists increased by 22 per cent last year. "There may be a certain displacement effect," said Juan Pedro Aznar, professor and researcher at the Madrid-based Esade business school, noting Spaniards' lower purchasing power compared to British and German tourists. For some Spaniards, it is best to avoid the summer crowds altogether. Nurse Maria de la Jara will stay in Madrid this summer, only going south to visit family in Cadiz once the busy season is over. "I used to go to my family's house, but there are more and more foreign tourists in Cadiz and when a cruise ship arrives, the population doubles," said the 51-year-old. "It's overwhelming." [[nid:719983]]
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Spaniards struggle to enjoy their own beaches in tourist deluge
INTERNATIONAL holidaymakers are keeping Spaniards off their own sun-kissed beaches due to ever-rising hotel and rental prices during an unprecedented tourism boom. Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 people last year whereas foreign visitors rose 1.94 million, according to previously unreported official data reviewed by analysis firm inAtlas. The trend looks sure to continue as the world's second-most visited country - after France - anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors this year. "Prices have risen outrageously. The whole Spanish coast is very expensive," said Wendy Davila, 26. She cancelled an "exorbitant" trip with her boyfriend in Cadiz on the south coast for a cheaper visit to the inland city of Burgos, famed for its Gothic cathedral and the tomb of 11th century commander El Cid. "Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can," added Davila, who is nostalgic for childhood beach holidays in Alicante on the Mediterranean. With a population of 48 million - half the number of foreign visitors each year - Spain relies heavily on tourism, which contributes more than 13 per cent of GDP. But protests are growing over housing shortages exacerbated by mass tourism - and could be exacerbated by the indignity for Spaniards being priced out of their favourite holidays. Hotel prices have risen 23 per cent in the past three years to an average of 136 euros (US$159) a night, according to data company Mabrian. Beachfront rentals have also climbed 20.3 per cent since mid-2023, according to price monitoring firm Tecnitasa, with most of them booked out for the summer by the first quarter. "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals," said Tecnitasa Group President Jose Maria Basanez. Foreign tourists stayed an average of eight nights at top Spanish beaches last year, with locals only affording half that time and spending a quarter of the money, inAtlas said. In fact, resort hotels are modifying down their forecasts for this summer, even despite the foreign boom, partly because places where residents tend to take their holidays expect slower sales. Spaniards also made near 400,000 fewer trips to the country's major cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, while foreign tourist visits there increased by almost three million. Aware of the brewing discontent and disparities, Spain's socialist government is encouraging international tourists to explore inland attractions to address overcrowding and diversify. "If we want to continue to be leaders in international tourism, we have to decentralise our destinations," Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said at the launch of a first campaign to highlight Spain's lesser-known charms in June. "We want Europeans and those from other continents to rethink their idea of the Spain they love and visit so much." Spaniards have a strong tradition of escaping for family holidays in the hot summer months, but they are turning more to Airbnb rentals than hotels, and swapping Catalonia or the Balearic Islands for lesser-known destinations in Andalucia or Castille and Leon where prices are lower and mass tourism is yet to hit. Last year, 1.7 million more Spaniards holidayed in generally more affordable inland areas, according to inAtlas. In the mountain town of El Bosque for example, 100 km from the beaches of Cadiz on the Atlantic, the number of Spanish tourists increased by 22 per cent last year. "There may be a certain displacement effect," said Juan Pedro Aznar, professor and researcher at the Madrid-based Esade business school, noting Spaniards' lower purchasing power compared to British and German tourists. For some Spaniards, it is best to avoid the summer crowds altogether. Nurse Maria de la Jara will stay in Madrid this summer, only going south to visit family in Cadiz once the busy season is over. "I used to go to my family's house, but there are more and more foreign tourists in Cadiz and when a cruise ship arrives, the population doubles," said the 51-year-old. "It's overwhelming."
Travel Daily News
06-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Religious travel trends in Saudi Arabia: Pilgrimage to Mecca 2025
Mabrian's latest data reveals the growing travel impact of Hajj 2025, with over 151.6 million flight seats scheduled to Mecca, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – a 1.2 million seats increase compared to 2024 festivities. BARCELONA, SPAIN – As one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, Hajj 2025 is expected to attract millions of Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, from June 4th to June 8th. In anticipation of this sacred journey, Mabrian, the global travel intelligence company part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, reveals new insights into the global travel impact of the event – shedding light on air connectivity, travel patterns, accommodation choices, and visitor profiles. The data helps quantify the significance of this religious pilgrimage as a major travel and tourism phenomenon. Over 151.6 million airline seats are scheduled to Mecca for Hajj 2025: Scheduled air availability to travel between June 1st and 9th, increase by 3.2% year-over-year, and by +1,2 Million (+0.8%) compared to last year's Hajj, which took place from June 14th to 19th. Most top 10 source markets show increased air connectivity, with Brazil (+8.2%) and Germany (+3.4%) among the highest: Compared to Hajj 2024, nearly all of the top 10 source markets by air connectivity have shown slight increases: the United States (+0.1%), India (+0.6%), Japan (+3.2%), Spain (+2.7%), United Kingdom (+1%), Germany (+3.4%), Türkiye (+4%), Italy (+0.6%), and Brazil (+8.2%). The only exception is China, which saw a 3% decline in seat availability. Among countries with large Muslim population, Malaysia (+12.6%) and Egypt (+8.5%) lead in increased seat availability: Among countries with significant Muslim populations, air capacity changes vary. Compared to 2024, Indonesia shows a decline of -8.6%, while Malaysia (+12.6%), Egypt (+8.5%), Ethiopia (+5.1%), and Pakistan (+4.8%) all show positive growth in seat availability. Average stays range from 1.8 nights (domestic) to 3.1 nights (international), with most travellers choosing hotels (88%): The average length of stay is 2.3 nights, with longer durations for international visitors – Egyptians (3.1 nights), Malaysians (2.8), Indonesians (3.1), and British travellers (2.5), whereas domestic visitors average shorter stays of 1.8 nights. In terms of lodging, 88% of visitors stay in hotels, while 12% opt for apartments or alternative accommodations. Among hotel guests, 35.2% stay in 5-star hotels, 28% in 4-star, 19.5% in 3-star, and 17.3% use alternative accommodation. Hotel guests are mostly couples (50.5%), while apartment users prefer group accommodations: Hotel guests in Mecca during Hajj are mainly couples (50.5%), with 22.3% being families, 15.1% groups of friends or extended families, and 12.1% solo travellers. Apartment users show different behaviours; in fact, 52.1% book properties for 3–5 guests, 20.6% choose larger accommodations for over 5 people, 25% book for 2 people, and 2.3% are solo travellers. 'Hajj is not only a profound spiritual journey, but also a major global travel event,' says Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing & Communications at Mabrian. 'Our data highlights how destinations, airlines, and accommodation providers may adapt to the evolving needs of religious travellers , a key and growing segment globally.'
Travel Daily News
06-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Summer 2025: Travellers choosing culture over sun
Research across seven European cities shows increasing appetite for cultural attractions, outdoor pursuits, and authentic urban lodging – marking a shift in summer travel trends. FLORENCE – A new study by The Data Appeal Company, in collaboration with Mabrian – both part of Almawave Group, explores European Travel Trends for Summer 2025, highlighting the rising popularity of cultural city breaks across seven key European destinations: Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Paris, and Rome. While Mediterranean beach escapes remain a staple, more travellers are gravitating toward urban experiences rich in culture, creativity, and events – particularly during the shoulder months of June and September. Drawing on insights from traveller sentiment, motivations, pricing fluctuations, and event performance, the report offers tourism professionals data-backed guidance to anticipate shifting demand, benchmark against 2024, and design more sustainable, balanced growth strategies for the high season ahead. Cultural attractions drive satisfaction scores above 90 across Europe A wide analysis of online reviews by The Data Appeal Company reveals traveller sentiment across Europe (April 2024–April 2025): data shows cultural attractions as the top driver of satisfaction, with consistent scores above 90/100 across all cities. Barcelona and Rome lead overall sentiment, fuelled by strong ratings in food, attractions, and short-term rentals. In contrast, hotel experiences lag – especially in Berlin and Copenhagen – suggesting growing price sensitivity and unmet expectations, particularly among domestic travellers. Short-term rentals often outperform traditional hospitality in visitor perception, praised for good value, authenticity, and location convenience – especially for longer stays and group/family travel. While Paris still achieves an overall score of 87.0, low sentiment in short-term rentals and hospitality highlights mixed experiences. Slight increase in U.S. travel intent to Paris, Rome and Barcelona To better detect travel intent for the summer ahead, Mabrian* provided accurate insights about share of searches and air capacity. Between April and September 2025, travel intent and air capacity data reveal American travellers' interest in key European cultural cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, with Share of Searches Index showing a slight rise by +0.04 percentage points along with a notable increase in U.S. seats availability—Barcelona (+14.4%), Rome (+4.3%), and Paris (+1.9%). While U.S. travellers' Share of Searches Index (-0.12 pp) to London sees a moderate decrease, this city remains highly attractive for this market overall. This clearly shows that the recent tensions sparked by the Trump administration's announcement of tariffs have not dampened Americans' travel interest. Other markets show varied trends: Paris gains seats availability from Germany and Greece, Rome does so from the UAE and Poland despite reducing availability in domestic flights, and Barcelona benefits from U.S. and Portuguese growth in air connectivity. Berlin faces slight declines due to low-cost carrier cuts, while Nordic countries continue to act as strategic hubs for long-haul travel, especially toward Asia. Overall, these shifts highlight evolving traveler preferences and airline confidence in cultural urban destinations across Europe even during summer months. Culture still leads – but active and nature experiences gain up to +5.5pp According to Mabrian's drivers analysis, culture remains the primary motivation for city travel across Europe, growing since 2019, with Rome leading at 51% (+2.6 pp), followed by Berlin (48.2%, +2.9 pp) and Paris (49.5%, slight increase). While gastronomy is still the second most common reason to visit, its appeal is declining in most cities, especially London, which saw a 4 percentage point drop. In contrast, interest in active and outdoor experiences is rising sharply: London's 'Nature & Outdoors' motivation increased by +5.5 pp since 2019, becoming its third top driver, and 'Active' experiences like cycling gained popularity in Paris (+4.5 pp), Rome, and Barcelona, reflecting a broader shift toward well-being, movement, and engaging, mood-enhancing travel experiences. Rome and London rates rise over +10% – but August dips in demand Online Travel Agencies' rates and saturation analysed by Data Appeal show that from June to September 2025, London leads in hotel prices among major European cultural capitals, averaging the highest rates with a year-on-year increase of +10.6%, driven by constant demand and a busy events calendar. Rome shows the largest rate hike overall (+13.2%), with peak prices in June and September rather than mid-summer. In contrast, Berlin and Helsinki offer the most affordable stays, with Berlin's prices lowest in August (€172) before rising for Oktoberfest, and Helsinki experiencing a significant price drop due to the absence of a major 2024 event. A notable seasonal trend reveals that August, traditionally peak season in Europe, sees a dip in hotel demand and prices in most cities, as probably travelers favor coastal escapes and business travel slows. Instead, June and September have become the new high-demand months, especially in Paris and Barcelona, reflecting a shift toward early and late summer travel to avoid crowds, heat, and higher flight costs. Flagship events redefine city tourism – London and Berlin lead with millions in impact Events are key accelerators of travel demand, shaping both visitor flows and economic impact across major European cities. According to the Events module featured in D/AI Destinations, Data Appeal's platform for DMOs, from June to September 2025, cities like London, Berlin, and Paris will see peaks in tourism driven by cultural programming – particularly in June and September, now the top-performing months for attendance and pricing. While concerts are the most frequent event type, festivals deliver greater returns by encouraging longer stays and higher spend. Flagship events define each city's seasonal rhythm and tourism economy. London's Notting Hill Carnival leads with expected 2 million attendees and €205 million in revenue, followed by Berlin's Carnival of Cultures with 1.1 million visitors. Paris and Rome capitalize on iconic cycling events like the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, while Barcelona's strategy prioritizes smaller, high-quality experiences like Sónar Festival, aligning cultural impact with urban sustainability. 'Tourism is evolving fast, and destinations that want to stay competitive must rely on real-time data and traveller insights to guide strategy,' says Mirko Lalli, CEO and founder of The Data Appeal Company. 'This report offers a blueprint for balancing growth with livability – by investing in cultural attractions, improving hospitality experiences, and using sentiment as a dynamic KPI. According to the latest trends, cities should also embrace more outdoor and nature-based experiences, and distribute events more evenly across the summer to enhance visitor satisfaction and support sustainable, year-round tourism.' *Mabrian's assessment of the Share of Searches Index performance applies a three-point scale for increase or decrease (minor, moderate, significant), based on the magnitude of percentage point variations and their relative impact on the overall index value.
