The Andalusian Association of Fair Hospitality Entrepreneurs has voiced concerns regarding the impending Seville Fair, predicting that general price increases will negatively impact the sector. Compounding this is the fair's shortened format, reintroduced last year, which results in the loss of two days of substantial revenue. Furthermore, the employers' association highlights the difficulty of managing waste volume in the booths, as Lipasam does not collect rubbish in the afternoons.
The rising cost of living, particularly in the hospitality sector, will be evident at the Feria de Abril. The Association of Booth Holders (Atica), through its president Cristóbal Tripero, estimates that beverage and food prices will increase by 8% to 10%. Tripero emphasizes the "exponential rise" this service will experience at the upcoming event in the real de los Remedios.
“"Two official days of large revenues, such as Sunday and Monday, were lost."
José David Martín, president of the Fair hospitality employers' association, corroborates these forecasts, warning that price increases will exacerbate the sales decline already experienced last year, when revenues fell by 20% due to the shortened format. With this year's increase, sales losses could reach 25% compared to 2024.
The availability of catering services for the booths has diminished since the Covid-19 pandemic, making it challenging for many booth holders to find companies to manage their kitchens. Martín notes that, ten days before the 'lunes del alumbrado' (lighting-up Monday), some still lack this service. The scarcity of nearby accommodation for catering staff, due to rising rental costs and the proliferation of tourist flats, also contributes to the shortage of applicants.
Regarding preparations, municipal government spokesperson Juan Bueno reported that work is 99% complete, with the main entrance arch assembly on schedule. This year, Heliopol is undertaking these tasks for the first time. Bueno assured that the expansion of the fairgrounds will be a reality in 2027, adding 220 booths by setting back the Calle del Infierno, which requires the cession of state-owned land.
For the 2026 Fair, the pedestrian extension of Calle Pepe Luis Vázquez will debut, connecting to Avenida Juan Pablo II. This expansion, resulting from the loss of a multi-module booth in Pascual Márquez, will improve evacuation, organize taxi and bus access, and simplify waste management. The full reurbanization of this street is planned for 2027.
