The tourist attraction capacity of Cádiz continues to grow, once again breaking traveler records during the first half of the year. This post-pandemic trend is boosting the sector, although a shift in visitor behavior is observed: more tourists are arriving, but they are staying for shorter periods.
According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), a total of 164,366 tourists visited Cádiz in the first half of the year, a 4.4% increase compared to the same period last year (157,492 travelers). The capital solidifies its position as the second most visited destination in the province, surpassed only by Chiclana, which received 201,567 visitors.
Despite the rise in tourists, hotel overnight stays have slightly declined, recording 347,396 between January and July, compared to 352,366 the previous year. This translates to a reduction in the average stay, dropping from 2.24 to 2.17 nights per traveler. The average daily room price in June reached 137 euros in Cádiz, the second highest in the province, reflecting the market's valuation of the destination.
Stefaan De Clerck, CEO of Hoteles Andaluces con Encanto and president of the Provincial Association of Hotels of Cádiz, notes that while recent years have seen consistent growth, a slight slowdown is now apparent. Nevertheless, he anticipates a very positive year, with July hotel occupancy at 89.61%, similar to last year.
Antonio de María Ceballos, president of Horeca, predicts that forecasts for August will exceed 90% occupancy. These figures do not include tourist apartments, whose numbers are difficult to ascertain but are crucial for evaluating the city's actual tourism pressure.
Domestic tourism remains the primary driver, with 102,657 Spanish travelers compared to 61,709 foreign visitors in the first half. The sector aims to boost international tourism to de-seasonalize offerings, particularly through direct flights to Jerez airport and leveraging cruise arrivals, although day excursions by cruise passengers typically do not involve overnight stays or dining in the city.
