Spain continues to attract holidaymakers and homebuyers

At the start of this year, Skyscanner.net revealed that, when it came to people searching for flights on the website, Malaga, Alicante, Tenerife, Palma and Murcia all made their 'Top Ten Most Popular Destinations for 2009.'

It would appear that, despite the recession, people still want to enjoy their summer holidays abroad, but are looking at cheaper destinations and to take advantage of discounts being offered by tour operators such as Thomas Cook, who are reported to be offering up to £150 off holidays to Spain as part of their 'Holiday Sale'.

However, it's not only summer holidaymakers who are turning to Spain; more foreign nationals than ever are choosing to get married in Spanish resorts, such as the Costa del Sol.

The Spanish government is well aware of the importance of the tourism sector to Spain's overall economic health, accounting for approximately 11% of jobs and gross domestic product.

Indeed, the additional €600 million which will be allocated this year to help the tourism industry face global competition (in addition to the €400 million allocated and spent last year) is most welcome.

The funds will be used to upgrade and modernise existing tourist facilities, accommodation and infrastructure, and it is hoped that the projects will provide much needed employment, especially for those construction workers made redundant through the collapse of the property boom.

The Costa del Sol in particular, is one area receiving significant investment. Dubbed the 'Playground of Europe' this stretch of Mediterranean coastline has for nearly 50 years been a focal point for visitors seeking sun, sea and sand.

Over €5 million is being invested by the Spanish tourism authorities to upgrade 12 beaches stretching from Torremolinos to Casares, with new shower facilities and lighting being installed, as well as promenade construction and maintenance.

In Marbella - the social centre of the Costa del Sol, a new hotel called Lorcrimar is expected to open at Easter according to publicist (and Marbella home owner) Max Clifford's Times column, with its restaurant, Sisu Novelli, being run by the famous French chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli.

However, it's not just good food and clean beaches which are attracting Britons to Spain. The dream of starting a new life in Spain does not seem to be fading, even in light of the weakening of the pound.

Indeed, PropertyIndex.com's Jan - Feb 2009 statistics have revealed a 26% rise in searches for property in Spain compared to the same period in 2008.

"Having worked in the Spanish property market for nearly a decade I firmly believe that Spain is an enduring market and has something for everyone. Britons have an affinity for this country and many still see it as a viable alternative to recession hit Britain," comments Julia Norton, the sales manager of the new Champneys Marbella resort currently under construction in the hills overlooking Marbella.

"I have seen however that buyers demands' are changing; with such a glut of property stock available buyers are becoming far more selective about what and where they purchase. They are looking not necessarily for cheap, entry level properties but for value for money, for well constructed, well located homes with potential for return on their investment."

For more information, visit www.champneysmarbella.com

Information courtesy of AB Property Marketing Ltd., and Champneys Marbella

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