From January to June, Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, hosted 438 events, marking a 27% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the city council.
Tourism, event, and trade fair meetings are on the rise in Malaga. According to Jacobo Florido, Malaga’s tourism councillor, this sector has generated an economic impact of 95 million euros. This estimate is based on a report by the Spain Convention Bureau, which states that the average expenditure per congress attendee is 352 euros per day.
Florido noted that the number of events from January to June increased by 27% compared to the same period last year, totalling 438 meetings. This growth has attracted 6% more professionals. In the first half of 2023, 345 congresses, trade fairs, conventions, and conferences were held, with 84,863 participants. Of these attendees, 68% were from Spain, while 32% came from abroad, reflecting similar percentages to those of the previous year.
"In addition to the increase in figures compared to the first six months of last year, and highlighting the contribution of professional tourism events to factors such as the average stay and the de-seasonalisation of the destination, it is necessary to mention the contribution that the professional events industry makes to the city in other areas such as the transfer of knowledge, the ability to attract investment, and the offer of parallel actions aimed at the general public," stated Jacobo Florido.
April emerged as the most active month, accounting for 22.3% of the total meetings, followed closely by June and May. Nearly 60% of the events were conventions and professional meetings, 27% were conferences, 14% were congresses, and 2% were trade fairs.