Here’s the translation to American English:
The Easter Week of 2025 has marked a milestone in the demand for rural tourism in Spain, reaching historic levels of occupancy. According to data from a digital platform specialized in vacation rentals, early April saw an average occupancy rate nearing 80% in rural accommodations across the country. This figure reflects the sustained growth of the sector during key dates on the tourism calendar.
With only eight days to go before the start of the holiday period, a significant 80% of slots in rural houses were already booked. This data highlights the appeal that rural tourism has gained, despite unfavorable weather forecasts anticipating the arrival of storm Olivier, which predicted rain during the first phase of the holiday.
Rural areas close to major cities and islands were particularly popular. Regions such as Castile and León estimate an economic impact of around 90 million euros. Pedro Carreño, president of the Spanish Association of Rural Tourism (ASETUR), noted that in some areas, occupancy has reached “practically 100%,” indicating considerable demand in places like the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
This increase in bookings is attributed to a growing preference among many tourists to escape the fast pace of big cities. Industry representatives have observed a shift in leisure habits, which are now more closely linked to natural environments and local customs, seeking more tranquil experiences.
Moreover, a behavioral pattern has emerged showing that users prioritize destinations that combine tranquility, attractive landscapes, and easy access from urban centers. This trend has been driven by the digitization of the sector, allowing for real-time consultations of availability in rural accommodations across hundreds of locations.
Despite the high occupancy rates recorded at the beginning of the month, the evolution of bookings remained dynamic in the days leading up to Easter. Weather conditions and the availability of family accommodations influenced tourists’ decisions. The flexibility of property owners and the technological capability to manage online calendars have been crucial in meeting the increasing last-minute demand.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
