Bumper figures for July delight tourism chiefs in Marbella and Estepona

Tourism bosses at Marbella and Estepona councils have been commenting on the release of data showing the increase in the number of tourists staying in hotels in the two resorts in July.

Official government data confirms what those who tried to find a parking space or seat in a restaurant last month already know: that part of the Costa is booming this summer.

In July, 97,452 people stayed in Marbella hotels, the best July figures for 13 years, up slightly on last year and 20 per cent on 2017.

The average hotel room price also increased slightly to 199 euros per night in Marbella, says the data.

Head of Tourism in Marbella, Laura de Arce, explained that national tourism is increasing and tourism from other countries is declining slightly.

In Estepona, July was the busiest ever in the resort's hotels. The same survey said that 43,155 stayed last month, a 30 per cent increase on last year. The council explained that its Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol initiative was working and that more hotels would shortly be opening in the old town.