The True Cost of The Coronavirus Crisis on the Costa del Sol

The coronavirus crisis has now affected all corners of the world, however, in the Costa del Sol the crisis has not only caused a tremendous health emergency but also an economic emergency.

THE Costa del Sol, as well as regions like Costa Blanca, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, all share one important market: tourism.

These areas are heavily reliant on tourism and the hospitality sector employs thousands of residents. Therefore, when the health crisis erupted, and the entire tourist and aviation industry practically came to a standstill, this caused a historic downfall.

The Andalucian government predicts that this year Spain will receive around 13.5 million tourists, around 60 per cent less than what it received last year.

In financial terms, the international paralysis of the travel and tourism industry has cost Spain’s southern region around €9 billion.

However, the situation could be worse. Despite the reputational damage that was incurred on Spain due to its severe spread of the virus, the Costa del Sol has been optimistic and in the last week of May, it recorded a 136 per cent increase in flight reservations.

The sector is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, however, the road to recovery will still be an uphill struggle to get Spain back on track to pre-pandemic levels.