Costa wants Middle Eastern tourists

The Costa del Sol is hoping to attract at least 25% more tourists from Middle Eastern countries this year.

These are the provisions of the principal tour operators presented by the councillor for tourism on the Costa del Sol, Elias Bendodo.

Bendodo, eleven local representatives from hotels and travel agencies and the mayors of Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis are going to make a trip out to Dubai to participate in the Arabian Travel Market fair which takes place between the fifth and the eighth of May.

They are hoping to attract the Middle Eastern tourists with presentations on the luxury to be found in the “golden triangle” and the culture of the Nazari kingdom as well as all the traditional offers of sun, sea and sand.

Bendodo has insisted on the importance of this type of tourism as it leaves more money in the area – traditionally Middle Eastern tourists spend an average of €2,000 per person, per day when they are on holiday.

He went on to comment that “the Middle East could become a huge source of revenue for local businesses and create employment in the area”.