Spain Predicted to Remain Popular in 2009

Sunset in La Manga Del Mar Menor,
Murcia, Spain

Despite the weakening of the pound against the euro and the rising level of caution surrounding locations within the eurozone, Spain is one European country which is continuing to attract British holidaymakers.

Although last year was an uncertain time for numerous holiday destinations, Spain retained its popularity as the 'Top Holiday Destination in 2008' according to the Office of National Statistics.

The tourist hotspot fought off competition from the likes of France and Italy to gain the number one spot, with a total of 12,029,325 holidays being taken to Spain. These findings were also supported by statistics from BAA Scotland which showed Spain to be the most popular overseas travel destination for those people taking to the skies from Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airports.

Early indications from Skyscanner.net show that Spain appears to be looking forward to similarly healthy levels of tourism in 2009. The website, which offers internet users a way to search for flights online, revealed that the Spanish resorts of Malaga, Alicante, Tenerife, Palma and Murcia, all made their 'Top Ten Most Popular Destinations for 2009' - a list based on the locations most searched for on the site. If these findings are anything to go by, Spain certainly seems to be on track for another successful year.

"This year, it's all about making your money go as far as possible, which is why Spain remains an extremely popular destination for British travellers. It's close, warm and still very good value," said Skyscanner.net co-founder, Barry Smith.

This website isn't alone in recognising Spain's positive credentials. ABTA's '2009 Travel Trends Report' highlighted Spain's ongoing appeal as "a destination with so much variety that its attractions appeal to a wide variety of travellers, whether it's adventure or culture seekers, families or pilgrims. While its countryside, language and culture are quite different from our own, Brits really do feel at home in Spain. They are reassured by its excellent infrastructure and facilities, and are warmly welcomed."

Spain's constant ability to attract holidaymakers is welcome news for investors interesting in buying property in Spain. When it comes to traditional inland properties and those offering the authentic Spanish lifestyle, Mike Hamilton, the managing director of Casas de Lorca, believes that Murcia is one province which stands out as an up-and-coming region while still representing a good buy.

"When speaking to people who are looking to buy property in Spain - be it for their own use as a holiday home or as an investment property that can be rented out - I find that a great deal are drawn to the country for its lifestyle and therefore are looking for the 'true Spain' over and above more well-known 'Britain in the sun'-type resorts. They want to integrate with the Spanish, enjoy the beauty and space of the rolling countryside and learn the language," he says.

"Murcia is one Spanish region where these things can be enjoyed with ease and where property is still affordable, which ultimately in these challenging times is of utmost importance."

For more information, visit www.casasdelorca.net

Information courtesy of AB Property Marketing Ltd., and Casas de Lorca

© PropertyIndex.com 2009 | Last Updated: 15th January 2009