Travel agency professionals in Almería observe a shift in tourist behavior, with travelers now being more selective and influenced by external factors such as international conflicts, price fluctuations, and political information. Despite this, the desire to travel remains, albeit with new priorities and formats.

Instability in strategic areas directly affects flight operations, especially to Asia and Africa, where most layovers occur in countries experiencing tensions. This has led to a shift in preferences, with cruises dominating in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, while destinations like Thailand or Japan have been relegated.

Regarding Almería as a destination, limitations in infrastructure, a lack of quality hotels and services, and relative isolation are noted. Although the appeal of areas like Cabo de Gata or Mojácar is recognized, low flight frequency and scarce complementary offerings increase costs and reduce services for visitors.

Travel demand shows restraint, with an initial slowdown at the beginning of the year due to the global situation. Customers continue to request quotes but take longer to decide. Long-haul travel, especially to Asia, has decreased, while European tours and closer destinations are gaining popularity. Cruises, though still popular, are not reaching last year's levels.

Another relevant factor is the rising cost of national destinations, which in some cases can be more expensive than a cruise. Additionally, holidays are no longer concentrated solely in summer but are spread throughout the year in shorter trips. Economic uncertainty also plays a role, as travel is perceived as a luxury item, and many clients postpone bookings due to concerns about the domestic economy.

From the hotel sector, customer loyalty is highlighted, especially in family holiday hotels, and the effectiveness of early booking offers in maintaining occupancy prospects. However, a slowdown in European tourism during spring is observed, affecting destinations heavily reliant on seasonality. Initiatives are being promoted to boost demand beyond summer, such as the role of MiniHollywood Oasys as a key attraction and the appeal to the audiovisual industry.

The Provincial Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of Almería (ASHAL) assures that rising flight costs will not significantly impact the summer tourism campaign, but warns that increasing fuel prices could affect national tourism, the main driver of the sector in Almería. Tourists visiting the province often book last-minute and seek flexibility with free cancellations.

Structural problems in Almería's tourism, such as a lack of infrastructure and competitive air connections, persist. Greater institutional involvement is called for to attract flights, and the need to explore alternatives by leveraging nearby international airports, such as Málaga, is suggested. The sector aims to consolidate a sustainable and competitive model that makes Almería an attractive destination year-round.