Mérida has experienced a significant increase in tourist visits during the All Saints' Bridge in 2026. Municipal tourist offices reported a total of 3,915 visitors from 30 October to 2 November, representing an increase of 1,091 compared to the same period in 2025, marking a growth of 38.63%.
The data highlights a positive trend in tourism activity in the city during this period, with increases in both domestic and international markets. Specifically, the offices served 3,270 domestic visitors, a rise of 36.14% from 2025, while international visitors numbered 645, reflecting a growth of 52.84%. Domestic tourism remains predominant, accounting for 83.52% of total visitors, while international tourists made up 16.48%.
Among the regions of origin, Andalucía contributed the largest share at 35.96%, followed by the Community of Madrid at 25.54% and Castilla y León at 11.96%. Internationally, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and France were the top sources of visitors.
Comparative data from previous years shows a clear upward trend in tourist demand during this bridge. The number of visitors has increased from 1,479 in 2024 and 2,824 in 2025 to this year's 3,915, surpassing the 3,602 recorded in 2022.
This year's results were likely bolstered by the holiday on Monday, 2 November, which coincided with nine autonomous communities, including Andalucía, Madrid, Castilla y León, and Extremadura, key markets for visitors to Mérida. Additionally, favourable weather conditions may have encouraged travel and tourism activities during the bridge.
The city also offered a complementary programme that enriched the experience during these days, including the I National Meeting of Amputees, the V Flamenco Festival of Mérida featuring the Fiesta de la Bulería, and a new edition of Mérida Sepulcral, which included guided tours of the Municipal Cemetery.
Provisional data from seven accommodation establishments indicated an average hotel and apartment occupancy rate of 75.23%, with figures reaching 86.97% at Hotel Áora, 86.25% at Apartamentos MPD, and 85% at Deluxe Hostels. The local council is continuing to gather information from other establishments to complete this statistic.
Furthermore, the caravan area at the fairgrounds recorded an average occupancy of 80% during the bridge, with users primarily from Spain (28.57%), the United Kingdom (26.53%), and Germany (24.49%). The pilgrims' hostel welcomed 30 users, comprising 17 domestic and 13 international visitors, indicating the presence of foreign tourists in this segment as well.
In terms of inquiries at the municipal offices, local information accounted for 85.18% of requests, followed by cultural activities at 9.28% and gastronomy at 2.18%. These results reinforce Mérida's positive evolution as a tourist destination, showcasing the appeal of its heritage, cultural, gastronomic, and leisure offerings, as well as its ability to attract visitors from both national and international markets.
The nearly 39% increase in tourist visits compared to last year is particularly significant for the city and the overall tourism and hospitality sector in Mérida. Felipe González, the tourism delegate, commented on the positive trends.
