Marbella Spain's Tourism at 5-year High

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The much talked about Spanish slump appears to be over for Real Estate Developer Taylor Wimpey de España, according to Javier Ballester.

Ballester, managing director, is thrilled with the consistent up-turn that 2010 has delivered.  He said, "After implementing a correction to reflect current pricing levels, demand for properties in Spain by foreign purchasers has increased."

Tourism figures are also reportedly up across Spain. Marbella in particular shines through, with third-quarters data reflecting strong improvements for the months of July, August and September in the Costa del Sol.

According to the latest figures released from the Institute of National Statistics, Marbella's tourism industry is well on the road to recovery. This summer, the municipality of Marbella has registered a seven percent increase in hotel occupancy and a twelve percent increase in overnight stays in the area. More good news is that the average stay in hotels has risen from 4.25 to 4.46 days.

Marbella Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz, said the report clearly shows 'recovery' of the town's tourism. Muñoz is excited about the future of Marbella and told the press: "These are the best figures we've seen in the last five years."

The five-day break of Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha in Marbella staying at the luxurious Villa Padierna Hotel will have made a difference to these figures. With them, came national and international press which generated wonderfully positive publicity for the area and subsequently, more tourists.

Other contributing factors apart from the obvious abundance of sunshine, sea and sangria, are some great events that the city hosted. The fabulous Björn Again ABBA tribute concert, X-Factor extravaganza, International Festival of Art or the Food & Sun Festival have all played a part in luring holidaymakers to the town this year.

With the Andalucían region coming out on top (compared to other regions in Spain), it looks like things are finally looking up for tourism, something the region's economy relies heavily upon.

Good news also for the property market in the same period, albeit in a more timid manor. The National Institute of statistics reveals that August was the best month in housing sales since May 2008. Confirmation of this improvement comes from the latest data provided by the Association of Registrars of property, movable property and commercial. Based on this data, the Association of Registrars has detected 'a clear recovery in the sales process'.

Taylor Wimpey de España endorses these thoughts. In October 2010 for the first time in three years this highly respected developer has begun ground breaking once again. Their existing developments are now almost sold out. Victor Sague, sales director of Taylor Wimpey España said: "It had become very apparent from our diminishing stock levels that we needed to start building to keep up with client demands."

"Los Robles de los Arqueros (Phase II) is a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella on the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course," Sague said. "The complex has been designed with a natural charm and all times you are blessed with a stunning view of the sea or golf fairways.

"We have ensured that the new phase of Los Robles de Los Arqueros maintains the look of a Mediterranean village which is in keeping with the original development and allows owners a feeling of community. Client feedback on our newest development is extremely positive and we are delighted to have sold seven units already."

Two and three bedroom, two bathroom apartments are available here with a host of amenities on offer to residents including swimming pools for children and adults as well as community gardens and underground parking and storage. These properties are available now from $320,617.

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