Estepona champions quality tourism accessible to all budgets on Costa del Sol

Mayor José María García Urbano opened a roundtable debate on quality tourism in Estepona organised by Artículo 14. Titled ‘Examen14’, the discussion at Mirador del Carmen drew business leaders and media representatives examining Estepona’s tourism approach.

Estepona prioritises happy coexistence between residents and visitors

García Urbano said that the town population is nearing 100,000 and doubles to 200,000 in the summer months. A repeated topic throughout the morning was the happy coexistence that exists between permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Political and citizen ideas must converge for positive transformation, he said. One example he mentioned involved the 18 kilometres of vehicle-free routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Proper receptivity has proved essential for success.

Authentic character sets Estepona apart from typical Costa del Sol resorts

Participants agreed that Estepona offers a sustainable quality tourism model. Belén Arenas Velasco from Hotel Elba hoped for respectful good tourists across all spending categories. She called Estepona ‘authentic’ and not a copy of anywhere else. Estepona, for her, represents quality of life through well-being and sports tourism. Mónica Gimeno Abón from THE FLAG Costa del Sol explained that Estepona centres on the wellbeing of everyone. This draws more people because tourism suits every pocket. She noted that clued-in tourists know what is good and that Estepona attracts such visitors.

Human-centred design and cultural integration define local approach

Alejandro Simón Partal pointed out that humanisation lies behind Estepona’s success. Pedestrianisation lets humans prevail over machines and signals quality tourism. Architect Salvador Moreno Peralta noted how one quarter of Costa del Sol tourists come from abroad and often turn into temporary residents. Culture integrates deeply with tourism in Estepona. Visiting Mirador del Carmen forms a routine cultural activity unlike other Costa del Sol traditions. He urged other towns on the Costa del Sol to follow the Estepona example overall. Costa del Sol prestige begins in Estepona, Moreno Peralta stated, and tourism suits every pocket and should feel exotic for everyone. He mentioned that no ghettos exist in Estepona. He also added with humour that nobody pees in the streets here, unlike other areas on the coast. The concept, as well as causing a few smiles, resonated with the audience as they considered the respectful relationship between permanent residents and visitors.

Informed visitors value and care for their chosen destination

Gimeno Abón observed that Estepona visitors look after their surroundings as they see the place as their own. The hotel sector in Estepona shows strong listening capacity to keep this tourism comfortable and ongoing. Arenas Velasco added that tourists arrive much better informed these days. They know what to expect so they return often due to perceived quality, becoming temporary citizens with a love for their surroundings.