Ramón Estalella (CEHAT): "The positive trend in the accommodation sector will continue in the second half of 2024."
Ramón Estalella, general secretary of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), states in the following interview that the sector has exceeded its forecasts in the first half of 2024 and that the attractiveness of our country for tourists has increased not only on the coast and in the big cities, but also in the provincial capital cities, in rural tourism and also sports tourism. He also believes that this positive trend will continue in the second half.
How has the Spanish accommodation sector performed in the first half of 2024?
The initial forecasts have been exceeded in the first half of 2024 in terms of its capacity to attract tourists. Demand continues to be very strong in our country and practically throughout Spain, not only in the Canary Islands during the holiday season or in the big cities, but also in provincial capitals, in rural tourism and also sports tourism. The truth is that in the first half of the year there has been a significant increase in both visitor numbers and spending.
What are your forecasts for the second half of the year?
The trend is likely to continue in the same way during the second half of the year. The Observatory of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels Tourist Accommodation and PWC indicates that interest in our country continues to be very high, so we cannot speak of a slowdown but rather of growth, even though last year was already a successful year.
What challenges does the tourism industry face in Spain?
At the moment, the most important challenges are mainly internal. Seeing what impact tourism is having on cities and destinations, and what impact it is having on residents and on prices. It is important that, between all of us, we study the situation to try to minimise the problems it can cause. The success of tourism is no longer in counting visitors or spending, but in permanence, a word I like better than sustainability. That it is something we continue to count on, that Spaniards are proud of and that the neighbours and residents of the cities are happy with tourism.
Where does Spain stand in terms of competition from other countries?
Our competitors are not doing as well as we are, and some of them will have to make a big effort because they are having major issues in terms of demand. In contrast, Spain remains fashionable, although it will face many more challenges to remain so.
Which would be the most urgent?
Adapting the sector with innovation and digitalisation is very important, but we also have to be able to show the whole of Spain how lucky we are and the hard work that goes into creating a great tourist destination. We need to think about what we need to do to avoid problems and to continue to maintain this privileged situation.
Photograph by Ramón Estalella: Verónica Lacasa.