costablog.com

Tourism in Spain this year is really looking up, with the country set to achieve the predicted 2.5 per cent target increase in bookings this year. This means that 8 out of 10 hotels on the coast will be 90% full this August. This increase will represent about 400,000 more tourists coming into the area, between 395,000 and 474,000. This is in comparison to the summer of 2010, when there were 15.8 million tourists.

Most of the tourism boost was expected to occur in July, rather than this August and the coming September, however, official figures have not yet been made public. These predictions for a “significant improvement” in July were supported by forecasts made of an increased number of flights into Andalucia’s airports by many different companies, as well as the airport authority AENA. In total, it represents an increase of 1.8 percent over the previous year.  Read more »

According to data from June this year provided by the Junta de Andalucia Provincial Tourism Delegation, Malaga has 56,513 top category vacancies and more than 60% of hotel beds in the province are situated in the four-star, five-star or Grand Luxury category.

The average occupancy levels in Malaga are also ahead of the rest of Andalucia, which are at 45 per cent. The sector is showing no signs of slowing down as there are many more plans in the works for the future. As it stands, there are currently four five-star hotels planned in Almogia, Velez-Malaga, Antequera and Estepona, as well as 11 four-star hotels, 7 three-star hotels, 1 two-star, 3 one-star, and some guest houses and hostels as well!

Despite its apparent success, Malaga is no stranger to “tourism crisis”. In fact, the sector suffered quite badly in 1993 but pushed through by learning to rejuvenate and improve their hotel facilities in order to keep the visitors flocking to the area.  Read more »

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement to convert Hacienda La Boticaria, an Andalucian style retreat close to Sevilla, into a luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property. Hilton Worldwide has already begun operating the resort, which is set to become a Waldorf Astoria in early summer 2011 and will mark the arrival of the brand in Spain. The new Hotel & Resort is located in Alcala de Guadaira and is 20 minutes from both Sevilla city centre and San Pablo airport, plus only a couple of hours drive from the Costa del Sol. Originally opened in 2004, the 133-room property Hacienda La Boticaria sits in 40 acres of private land and offers a truly authentic Andalusian experience.

John Vanderslice, global head, luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at la Boticaria will be a wonderful addition to our growing brand portfolio, offering a truly unique guest experience. The property will be a warm and inviting hideaway, where guests will discover the delights of the Andalusian lifestyle while enjoying exceptional facilities, only minutes from Sevilla and many local attractions. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts aims to provide unparalleled service and quality, building on the success of the renowned Waldorf Astoria in New York and its legacy of timeless luxury and personalized experiences.”  Read more »

Plans for the construction of a five-star hotel in La Bajadilla Port have been anounced by Marbella Town Hall. Jose Carlos Martin Sanchez, the President of the Andalucia Marinas has said that the plans are for an “emblematic” hotel, and the chosen hotel will be the winner of a design competition. The project, which has been estimated at a cool £124m is not yet fully confirmed as the plans need to be approved by the Junta de Andalucia. However, it has been made public knowledge that the project was included in the proposal sent to the Andalucian Public Port Agency earlier this week.

The port area which has been planned by the town hall includes plans for the construction of an area specifically designed for medium sized cruise ships between 112 and 146 metres long. This would be a covered and protected area, ensuring easy embarkment and disembarkment for the cruise liners passengers, no matter the weather.

Formerly known as The Lorcrimar Hotel & Novelli’s Restaurant it is now rebranded and reborn. After a Multi-Million Euro refurbishment and a change of management in 2010 the Sisu Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus, Marbella has been re-opened. The hotel consists of 54 rooms which have gone through a total re-fit. As well there are 9 totally new Suites (6 Junior & 3 Penthouse Suites) in the new Sisu Boutique Hotel offering you a choice of accommodation full of Funky designs & retro fittings. To compliment its beautiful beaches & vibrant nightlife Hip ‘n’ Chic accommodation has finally arrived in Puerto Banus. From the moment you step into the breathtaking Reception you will realise this is a new Marbella and a new style. Sisu Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus aims at your pleasure, whether on vacation or business. With your Room Key Card you gain VIP access and some unbelievable deals into some of Puerto Banus’ top day & night clubs like Sintillate & Cocoloco in TIBV, Ocean Club, Nikki Beach, Sky Lounge Pangea, Linekers & Port Side and Premier Lap Dancing. The Sisu Boutique Hotel looks like the new hotel for  funky party people in Puerto Banus.