A New Year full of success, but with contrasts
Rural houses in Terres de l’Ebre have experienced exceptional occupancy during New Year’s Eve, with an impressive 95% of reservations. In contrast, Christmas dates have presented a more modest occupancy, around 60%, while the Three Kings festival has registered worrying numbers, with only 20% occupancy, according to the Terres de l’Ebre Rural Tourism Association (Aturebre).
Expectations and realities
Juanjo Bel, president of Aturebre, says that despite the good figures for New Year’s Eve, the general feeling is of a lack of joy. ‘We had two successful nights, but that does not reflect the whole season’, he highlights. The Tarragona Hospitality and Tourism Business Federation (FEHT) reports that the average occupancy in the region has been 60-70%, influenced by favorable weather conditions.
The profile of tourists and their preferences
Bel notes that during the holidays, larger rural houses have been in the highest demand, leaving smaller ones with availability. ‘We have received many requests for spacious accommodations, and we have had to put some interested parties on a waiting list,’ he adds. This trend reveals a clear preference for group stays during the celebrations.
Christmas and Epiphany: a notable drop
For Christmas, occupancy has been respectable, at 60%, but for Epiphany the figures have been disappointing, similar to a typical winter weekend. Bel points out that there is a downward trend in general demand, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year, due to an excess of supply.
Situation in Terra Alta: resounding success
On the other hand, in Terra Alta, the president of the Rural Tourism Association, Pilar Miró, points out that establishments have put up their full posters for New Year’s Eve, with 98% occupancy, and 80 % during Christmas. However, bookings for Reis have fallen between 50% and 60%, a common trend at this time.
The dynamics of rural tourism
Miró indicates that New Year’s Eve is the peak time, while reservations for Three Kings Day tend to be scarcer. This reflects the dynamics of family tourism, which prefers to share moments in groups during the holidays.
Future prospects: temporary closures
After the holidays, the tourism sector is facing a difficult period, with many accommodations temporarily closing due to a lack of reservations. Bel indicates that it is common for establishments to take advantage of these months to carry out maintenance work. However, there is hope for the upcoming season, especially with school tourism expected for Easter.
The importance of school tourism
The FEHT spokesperson points out that schools often organize trips to the Gold Coast for their students, and this can revitalize the sector. Expectations are positive, despite the current lack of bookings, with rural accommodation expecting an increase in demand as Easter approaches.
Conclusion: adaptation and hopes
Tourism in Terres de l’Ebre is adapting to new market realities, with a focus on family and local tourism. Current trends reflect a change in traveler preferences, and optimism prevails as entrepreneurs in the sector prepare to face new challenges and opportunities.
