Andorra has experienced a remarkable shift in its winter tourism landscape over the past decade. In 2016, only 41% of winter visitors stayed overnight, but this figure has now risen to six out of ten. This information was highlighted by Betim Budzaku, the general director of Andorra Turisme, during the presentation of the upcoming winter season, held in collaboration with Grandvalira Resorts.
The average length of stay has also increased, now reaching 3.3 nights. Over the past ten years, the number of tourists has surged by 47%, amounting to nearly two million visitors. The growth is even more pronounced in international markets, which have seen a 117% increase.
"We have nearly reached 480,000 visitors with a recent growth of 117%. Our primary goal is to target markets outside of Europe, as we are already well-established there. The growth we are witnessing from Brazil, Colombia, and the United States allows us to balance the future of tourism and diversify our markets with longer stays,"
Budzaku stated.
In the last four years, visitors from Brazil have increased by 390%, those from Mexico by 103%, the United States by 88%, Colombia by 84%, and Canada by 68%. In Europe, Andorra Turisme maintains partnerships with tour operators and conducts campaigns in Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and Italy.
The presentation coincided with the advertising campaign for Grandvalira's winter season, which begins on 4 December. The ski resort has allocated €42 million for this season, a 10% increase from last year. A significant portion of this investment will go towards a new multifunctional building in Pas de la Casa, located at the foot of the slopes, as well as a new lake at Vaquer in Grau Roig, with a capacity of 100,000 cubic metres. Additionally, a new restaurant inspired by an English pub will open in Arinsal.
The events calendar will kick off with the Shop in Andorra Festival, followed by the Christmas Village in Andorra la Vella. Upcoming events include the World Cup of mountain skiing in January and the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup in March, along with cultural proposals such as the Sax Fest, Clàssicand, and the new festival Andorra és Bella.
Andorra Turisme and Grandvalira Resorts will now begin a series of meetings with the press, the tourism sector, and MICE agencies in Barcelona, Madrid, Toulouse, and Paris. They will present new flight connections that will link Andorra-la Seu airport with Paris, Madrid, and Palma starting in January.
