The situation with rail connections between Madrid and Málaga has raised concerns among many Andalusians. It was feared that the lack of direct AVE trains would cause a sharp drop in tourist numbers and significant losses for the hotel sector. However, as El Pais reports, the reality turned out differently: the city is recording high hotel occupancy and steady activity in the service sector, despite temporary transport difficulties.
In recent years, Málaga has been experiencing a real hotel boom. Since 2020, accommodation capacity has increased by a third. Modern boutique hotels like Well & Come on Calle Madre de Dios are reporting almost full occupancy during Easter. The average nightly rate here reaches 230 euros, while at Only You Málaga it goes up to 425 euros. Hotel managers say sunny weather and high interest in the festivities played a key role in attracting visitors, despite train disruptions.
Industry response
Earlier, local officials and industry associations predicted losses of up to 1.3 billion euros due to the temporary suspension of AVE trains. Some public figures even claimed the Easter season was ruined and threatened legal action against the government. However, by the start of the week, the rhetoric had shifted: Málaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, acknowledged that the impact of transport restrictions was minimal. According to El Pais, Renfe operated 15 daily services between Madrid and Málaga with a bus transfer in Antequera, which helped maintain a significant passenger flow.
The Malaga Restaurateurs Association notes that this year’s revenue is comparable to last year’s, and the impact of the AVE suspension has not been as significant as expected. Meanwhile, the Costa del Sol Hoteliers Association (Aehcos) reports a slight drop in occupancy compared to previous years, but highlights that this decline is offset by an increase in international guests.
International demand
In Malaga hotels and along the coast, tourists from the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden predominate. In some hotels, international guests make up as much as 90% of visitors. At Zenit, for example, management notes that foreign visitors are offsetting the decline in Spanish clients. Marbella and Torremolinos are also seeing high occupancy, especially in premium hotels. Inland areas such as Gaucín attract travelers from Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries, as people seek peace against the backdrop of global conflicts.
Hotel managers point out that the main challenge remains the frequent cancellations, tied to uncertainty over when direct rail service will resume. Overall, however, they say this season is matching last year’s performance, and in some cases, even surpassing it in terms of revenues.
Economic impact
According to the University of Malaga, only 5% of Spanish tourists come from Madrid, while 77% arrive from other parts of Andalusia. On average, each visitor spends 372 euros per day in the city, with 40% of that amount going toward accommodation. During Holy Week last year, tourism created nearly 3,000 full-time jobs. Analysis by russpain.com suggests that even with a decline in domestic travel, international demand can sustain the region’s economy at a high level.
In recent years, Spain’s hotel sector has faced various challenges, from the pandemic to changes in service regulations. For example, in 2030, single-use gel and shampoo bottles will disappear from European hotels, a topic already under discussion among industry professionals. Learn more about these changes in the article about new regulations for European hotels. Such developments demonstrate how the hospitality industry quickly adapts to new conditions and market demands.
Reflecting on recent events, it’s worth noting that in 2024, similar concerns about falling tourist numbers due to weather conditions did not materialize: despite the rain, hotel occupancy remained high. In 2025, despite instability in the transport system, Malaga once again confirmed its status as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. This highlights the sector’s resilience and its ability to respond quickly to external challenges.
