Marbella has recorded the best tourism figures in five years

The doom and gloom that has surrounded the Spanish tourism market in recent times appears to be well and truly behind the country as Marbella, one of the top holiday resorts, reported a five year high.

The most recent figures released by the Institute of National Statistics suggest that Marbella's holiday industry is on the road to recovery. During the high season from June to August the municipality of Marbella has recorded a seven per cent increase in hotel occupancy levels. Holidaymakers are also staying longer with the average length of stay increasing from 4.25 to 4.46 days.

One factor influencing the increase was the arrival of First Lady Michelle Obama in August. Her visit brought international press to the region and also put Marbella on the map for US visitors who are expected to be a growing market for the Costa del Sol area in coming years.

Marbella Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz was enthusiastic about the figures saying "the report clearly shows 'recovery' of the town's tourism. These are the best figures we've seen in the last five years."

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