Hotel occupancy in Valencia surged to 87% during the Fallas Festival weekend, with last-minute bookings driving an unexpected boost for the city’s hospitality sector.
The increase of 10 to 15 percentage points over earlier forecasts highlights the enduring appeal of this internationally renowned festival, which draws visitors from around the world.
Tourists from abroad accounted for 60% of hotel stays, while domestic travelers made up the remaining 40%. The combination of cultural festivities and favorable weather at the beginning of the celebration contributed to strong visitor numbers. However, the final days of the festival face a different outlook, as poor weather conditions and midweek timing for the San José holiday could slow momentum.
Weather Threatens Late-Fallas Tourism Boost
Despite the strong start, hoteliers are bracing for a possible dip in bookings as rainy forecasts are expected to impact the festival’s closing days. Additionally, with March 19 (San José) falling on a Wednesday, the public holiday is only observed in the Valencian Community and Murcia, limiting domestic tourism potential.
Current projections indicate a 70% hotel occupancy rate through March 19, a noticeable drop from the bustling weekend. Industry experts acknowledge that while the Fallas Festival remains a key tourism driver, the inconsistency in holiday alignment and weather concerns create unpredictability in hotel performance.
