The president of the Diputación de Alicante, Toni Pérez, has expressed a positive outlook regarding the participation of the Patronato Provincial de Turismo at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which concluded recently. The event, which began on 6 November, aimed to strengthen the British market, the primary source of tourists to the Costa Blanca, while also exploring new business opportunities in regions such as Central and Eastern Europe.
Pérez highlighted the intensive work undertaken by the Patronato Costa Blanca in collaboration with municipalities from the province, noting the high number of meetings held during the event, particularly with major tour operators. He reiterated that the British market remains crucial for the province, stating that the WTM “marks a first step towards making a reasonably accurate forecast of what tourism activity will look like in 2027.”
He added, “The last major global tourism fair takes place in London. Here, Costa Blanca has been able to engage in institutional and professional meetings with the large companies that facilitate accommodation and sell tour packages. We also had the opportunity to present some significant events.”
Among the notable meetings was one with the European Tourism Association (ETOA), which is a key organiser of collective travel in Europe. Pérez also mentioned the upcoming major event hosted by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2027, which will take place in Alicante.
According to Pérez, golf is a significant attraction for the Costa Blanca in the realms of health and sports tourism, and hosting this event will enhance the province's position in this lucrative market. He noted that nearly 90% of British tourists visiting the Valencian Community come to Alicante, with Benidorm alone accounting for 50% of that figure.
As a conclusion, Pérez stated that the province is a major destination for British tourists, and this fair has been, and will continue to be, essential for positioning Costa Blanca on the international tourism map.
The Patronato Costa Blanca continued its activities on the third day of the WTM with various professional meetings aimed at solidifying and increasing the flow of international tourists to the region. The autonomous body of the Diputación has engaged in numerous meetings and activities as part of the world's largest tourism fair, implementing a strategic agenda with tour operators, travel agencies, and industry stakeholders.
José Mancebo, director of the Patronato Costa Blanca, stated, “Our participation in the World Travel Market combines maintaining key vacation alliances, exploring opportunities in other markets, and preparing for significant professional meetings in 2027.”
In addition to a provincial agreement reached with ETOA to hold its professional ‘Social Networking Event’ in Benidorm next year, the provincial tourism body highlighted the European convention of IAGTO scheduled for 2027. The recent meetings also included discussions with various companies such as On the Beach, eDreams ODIGEO, World2Meet, Thomas Cook, and loveholidays, among others.
Mancebo remarked that these meetings are crucial for maintaining contact with partners who market their holiday offerings and identifying potential collaborators for product management and destination promotion. “These days allow us to promote our golf offerings as a tourist attraction and prepare for significant professional events as another fundamental aspect of our strategy. We continue to improve connectivity at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and open doors to new markets from Central and Eastern Europe,” he added.
In support of these initiatives, Pérez confirmed that the Diputación de Alicante is backing the actions of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and the Association of Golf Courses of Costa Blanca and Valencian Community to host the IAGTO European Convention in the province next year. This event is set to take place from 17 to 19 May 2027 in Costa Blanca, with over a thousand international delegates, including golf tour operators and tourism representatives from more than 40 countries.
