In 2023, the Valencia region, with its enchanting provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón, attracted a significant number of Dutch and Belgian visitors. This region has long been a favourite destination for tourists from all corners of Europe, and the year 2023 was no exception.
Looking at the official figures, the UK led the way with almost 2.6 million visitors, representing an impressive 18% increase over the previous year. This makes the UK the most important market for the Valencia region, accounting for almost a quarter of all foreign visitors. With such growing popularity among UK holidaymakers, the outlook looks bright, supported by targeted marketing campaigns that will attract even more visitors in the coming years.
After the UK, the French followed with more than 2 million tourists, representing almost 28% growth. Scandinavian countries also contributed with nearly 1 million visitors to the Valencia region. Interestingly, Germans, one of the largest groups of international tourists, were less represented than Dutch and Belgians with 695,992 holidaymakers.
The Dutch have a special bond with this region. In 2023, 770,671 Dutch holidaymakers visited the Valencia region, representing a solid growth of 7.5% compared to the previous year. What is striking is the increasing popularity of short city breaks to Valencia, combined with a visit to Barcelona in Catalonia. Valencia is increasingly seen as a trendy city with delicious food, beautiful beaches and rich culture and architecture, attracting many young Dutch travellers in particular for a weekend or mid-week break.
Belgium is also contributing to tourism growth in the Valencia region. In 2023, 699,738 Belgians visited this region, up 17% from the previous year. This growth is partly driven by increasingly better and cheaper flight connections from Belgium to Valencia, and the city’s hip and cosmopolitan image, which appeals to many Belgians.
