Camping and caravaning tourism on the rise in Almeria

CAMPING and caravaning tourism has risen by 60 per cent in the past year in the Almeria Alpujarra area.

This is mainly due to the financial crisis, which is forcing people to choose more affordable options for their holidays, and is happening as rural hotels and guesthouses in the area see their numbers drop, according to the tourist offices in the area.

In Laujar de Andarax, the Tourism Office reports show that tourists are now becoming more attracted to hiking, horse riding, cycling and hiking tours, and mainly stay in campsites in the area.

Meanwhile in Berja, this Easter there have been 20 per cent more day trips although the number of people staying overnight in the area has fallen, and Ohanes and Alhama de Almeria saw visitor figures similar to last year, but that reservations had also fallen compared to last year.

The President of the Alpujarra Tourism Deparment, Antonio Ortiz, stressed the need for new infrastructures to attract tourists and make their stay more comfortable.

Huercal Overa is planning to create a caravan park, following the success of the first Easter Caravaners Meeting which attracted more than 70 vehicles from all over Spain.

The town hall provided them with water, lighting and toilets, and the event did not cost anything from the municipal coffers.

“It has been an excellent way to promote the town” the Tourism Councillor, Monica Navarro, said. There are already plans to hold similar events, possibly coinciding with the October fair.