British holidaymakers have once again become the dominant force in Benidorm, surpassing Spanish visitors for the first time in seven years, according to new industry data.
The Numbers Behind the British Resurgence
The latest hotel stay figures from HOSBEC, the Valencian Community's powerful Hotel and Tourism Business Association, reveal a significant shift. Visitors from the UK accounted for a staggering 42.5% of all hotel accommodation stays in the famous Costa Blanca resort last year. In contrast, national tourists from Spain made up 38.6% of the total.
This marks a return to a pre-Brexit dynamic not seen since 2016, when British tourists also led the way. Spanish visitors had held the number one position consistently from 2017 right through to 2024, despite Brits remaining the largest foreign contingent. Nuria Montes, Secretary General of HOSBEC, declared the UK the 'undisputed leader' in their 2025 hotel round-up, stating simply: 'The British are very strong.'
Why Benidorm Bucks the Anti-Tourism Trend
While other Spanish hotspots like Tenerife, Majorca, and Barcelona have faced significant protests over mass tourism, Benidorm has largely avoided such unrest. The resort has a deeply ingrained British culture, featuring its own 'Little England' area and annual events like the famous Fancy Dress Party in November, which draws thousands of UK residents and visitors.
The value proposition remains a key draw. With pints reportedly available for as little as £1.70 and many pubs showing live sports like the Cheltenham Festival races, it continues to attract budget-conscious Brits. This enduring appeal is embodied by loyal visitors like Roger and Sue Topp from Leicester, who have made 130 trips over 35 years. 'It's friendly, clean, safe and the value is unbelievable,' says Roger, who views the resort as a second home.
Contrasting Sentiments Across Spain
The situation in Benidorm stands in sharp relief to other parts of Spain. Last year saw thousands of demonstrators in Barcelona, Mallorca, and Tenerife protesting that tourism was driving up rents and overwhelming local infrastructure. In Barcelona, activists targeted tourists directly with water pistols.
The backlash has been notable enough for the UK travel association ABTA to issue guidance to its members on reassuring concerned clients. Susan Deer, ABTA's Director of Institutional Relations, confirmed that British travel agencies are fielding more questions from customers worried by media coverage of anti-tourism protests. She was quick to note, however, that overall visitor numbers to Spain have remained stable.
For now, Benidorm appears to be a model of sustained, welcome tourism. As the Topps advise other potential visitors: 'Ignore the stereotypes. It’s one of the friendliest, best-value places you can visit.' The data suggests that, for the moment, a great many British holidaymakers wholeheartedly agree.
