Malaga hotels enjoy best September ever

It was a hot and sticky month this year, but the humid weather didn’t stop the flow of tourists. In fact, so many came to Malaga that hotels in the city had their best September ever. Latest statistics from the Spanish Statistical Institute (INE in Spanish) show that Malaga hotels registered a record overnight stays in September. What is more, they nudged the average stay to over 2 nights for the first time ever.

Fewer visitors but more overnights

A total of 113,391 visitors stayed at hotels in Malaga during September. The figure sits slightly below the one registered in September 2017, but although there were fewer visitors, Malaga hotels are still celebrating.

The reason? Overnights reached their highest ever for the month and more importantly, stays went up to an average of just over 2 nights. All in all, hotels in Malaga had an occupancy just shy of 87% last September.

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More foreigners

Malaga continues to appeal to foreign visitors who also upped their overnight stays in the city in September. Almost 72% of all hotel guests were foreign and their overnights increased by 7.09% in the year.

As usual, the British were the largest visitor group. They accounted for more than 10% of Malaga’s foreign tourists in September.  Germans made up just over 8% with the French in third place (nearly 5.5%).

Record figures in the year

Malaga hotels have had reason to celebrate for every single month in 2018 so far. The figures for September show the city’s hotels welcomed 1.028 million guests between January and September, almost 4% more than the same period last year.

The national average increase was just 1.08% meaning hotel tourism in Malaga has grown by almost four times the Spanish rate. So far this year, Malaga ranks as the fourth fastest-growing city destination in the country behind just Palma de Mallorca, Madrid and Granada. But ahead of big-shots such as Barcelona and Seville, Lonely Planet’s Best City to Visit in 2018.

Real overall figures

City tourism figures are measured using hotel guest statistics only. They don’t include people on day trips to Malaga, cruise ship passengers or those who stay in self-catering accommodation in Malaga.

Real visitor figures are much higher – we’ve noticed that Malaga has been busier than ever this year. Our website is hitting monthly record for both visits and users so information about Malaga is obviously in high demand.

The tourism that everyone wants

But as we all know, more is not always better. It’s only better if it’s the right sort of tourism. At Guide to Malaga, we’re proud to be promoting Malaga as a city destination offering quality, value for money and experiences both on and off the beaten track.

If you’re looking for up-to-date, good information about Malaga, take a look round the site. All our featured business have one common denominator – they all (yes, all) offer qualify services or products. All tried and trusted so proven as well.

And for your overnight stay, take a look at our list of accommodation, including some of the best Malaga hotels. Again, all proven quality and in great locations.

SEE RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN MALAGA

We look forward to seeing you in Malaga soon!

(Photo Credit: Hotel Mariposa, one of the best boutique hotels in Malaga)

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