History of Tourism in Benidorm
Brief History of Tourism in Benidorm
📜 The First Century of Tourism in Benidorm
In 1993, the Benidorm City Council commemorated the first century of tourism in the city, based on the tourist brochure of the Baños de la Virgen del Sufragio, published in 1893. This document is considered the first known tourist brochure of Benidorm and also mentioned one of the first tourist transfers in history, with travelers arriving from Alicante on the famous "botijo train", which transported the first visitors from Madrid and Alcoy🚂🏖️
(Available in Spanish)
🏛️ The Origins of Tourism in Benidorm
In the 19th century, Benidorm began to establish itself as a tourist destination with the opening of Hostal La Mayora (1865).
However, the first known tourist references to the city date back to 1803, in the book by Christian August Fischer, titled "Cuadro de Valencia", where he recommended Benidorm as an ideal place to learn about tuna and sardine fishing🎣
✔️ In 1852, the Nueva Guía del Bañista en España, by Aureliano Maestre de San Juan, highlighted Benidorm as one of the main attractions on the Alicante coast.
✔️ In 1853, the city appeared in the Tratado de Fuentes Minerales de España, linking it to health tourism.
The improvement of transport infrastructure was key to the development of tourism, making it easier for visitors to reach the Baños de la Virgen del Sufragio, a seaside spa that attracted travelers from Alcoy, Madrid, and other cities looking to enjoy the benefits of seawater baths.
In 1914, the inauguration of the narrow-gauge railway, known as "Trenet de la Marina", connected Alicante with Altea and Benidorm, further facilitating the arrival of tourists🚞
🌆 Benidorm: The Vertical City
In the 1950s, Benidorm underwent two major transformations:
1️⃣ The end of the Almadraba del Racó de l’Oix (1952), which led to the decline of fishing and affected many local families.
2️⃣ The approval of the 1956 General Plan, which transformed the city into a well-structured tourist destination, with wide avenues and well-planned streets.
This new urban model laid the foundation for vertical Benidorm, with high-rise buildings designed to maximize space, promoting sustainable and efficient tourism🏙️🏖️
(Available in Spanish)
🎤 The Benidorm Festival and Its Musical Legacy
The Benidorm Festival played a key role in the city's international recognition🌟
✔️ Julio Iglesias, the 1968 winner, and the Dúo Dinámico, who won the "Sirenita de Benidorm" in 1977, are among the artists who left their mark on the event🎶
The festival’s success led to the production of the film "Festival de Benidorm", starring Conchita Velasco, Carmen de Lirio, and Manolo Gómez Bur.
Since then, Benidorm has served as the setting for more than 300 films, including the iconic "Huevos de Oro" (1993), directed by Bigas Luna and starring Javier Bardem and Maribel Verdú🎬✨
History of Benidorm´s Song Festival
(Available in Spanish)
👙 The Bikini and the Social Revolution in Benidorm
During the 1950s and 60s, Benidorm experienced a true social revolution, driven by the arrival of the SEAT 600 🚗 and, most notably, the bikini 👙, introduced by French tourists.
This controversial garment challenged social norms and quickly became popular, boosted by hotels and increasing social openness.
✈️ The Rise of International Tourism
In the 1960s, the first international tour operators began operating in Benidorm, drawn by its privileged climate and affordable prices.
This marked the first attempt at year-round tourism, a strategy that was solidified in 1970 with the arrival of the first charter flights to the newly inaugurated El Altet Airport.
✔️ Between 1971 and 1973, the hotel boom led to the rapid construction of large hotels, known as "hotelfábrica", cementing Benidorm’s status as a world-class tourist destination🌍🏨
(Available in Spanish)
🌍 Benidorm Today: A Leading Tourist Destination
Today, Benidorm maintains high hotel occupancy rates, both in summer and winter, thanks in part to senior tourism.
Throughout its history, the city has managed to adapt and diversify its tourism offer, evolving beyond sun and beach tourism to include new experiences:
🌊 Sun and Beach Tourism
⛰️ Nature and Adventure Tourism
🏊♂️ Sports Tourism
⛳ Golf Tourism
🎡 Leisure and Entertainment Tourism
🏛️ Cultural and Historical Tourism
🏥 Health and Wellness Tourism
🎭 Congress and Incentive Tourism
🛍️ Shopping Tourism
🍽️ Gastronomic Tourism
🌿 Sustainable Tourism
👵 Senior Tourism
🏳️🌈 LGTBI+ Tourism
This continuous effort of renewal and innovation has allowed Benidorm to remain competitive and establish itself as a leader in national and international tourism🚀🏖️
🏆 Benidorm: A Model of Success
Benidorm’s transformation into one of Europe’s most iconic tourist cities reflects its ability to innovate, its commitment to sustainability, and its adaptability.
🔍 Discover the history, evolution, and future of Benidorm—a city that continues to make history📚🌟
