82 Million Reasons Why Spain Is So Popular
It’s now official. According to Spanish government figures released this week, forecasts of another record year for tourism were accurate: a total of 82 million foreign travellers visited Spain in 2017, 8.9 per cent more than the previous year and nearly doubling the official number of permanent residents (46.5 million).
According to prime minister Mariano Rajoy, that means Spain is now second in the world when it comes to both the number of tourists and how much they spend (behind France and the United States, respectively).
As many tourists eventually decide to buy a holiday home or settle in Spain – especially in prime residential-tourism areas such as the Costa del Sol – this is also excellent news for the real estate market, for both vendors and sellers.
Another key attraction on the Coast for tourists and expatriate residents alike is the infrastructure, highlighted by Málaga’s international airport, one of Europe’s premier air transport hubs and a key foundation of a national network that also reported record figures for 2017 this week.
According to the minister for public works, Iñigo de la Serna, Spanish airports coming under the auspices of the Aena national authority dealt with 249.2 million passengers in 2017, 8.2 per cent more than last year.
De la Serna also announced the “excellent news” that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – which covers 83 per cent of global air traffic – had chosen Madrid as its main centre of operations, beating out the association’s other centres in Geneva, Singapore, Montreal and Beijing. This was, he said, just another “demonstration of confidence in the Spanish brand”, adding that, for the second year in a row, Spain’s tourism industry had been recognised by the Davos Economic Forum as the most competitive in the world.
Meanwhile, passengers at all airports in Spain – including Málaga-Costa del Sol – now have access to free internet connections (“Airport Free Wi-Fi Aena”), at high speed and with no obligatory advertising. There are three options for access: through LinkedIn or Facebook; registering at Aena Club Cliente on the airport authority’s website; or completing an online form. Also available is a “Premium” service for €5 a day.
Luxury Living
With such good news dominating the headlines as Spain returns to serious business after the festive break, we thought it appropriate to celebrate by featuring one of the Costa del Sol’s most breathtaking new residential projects.
Located in Estepona municipality’s burgeoning “New Golden Mile” area, and front-line to the Mediterranean Sea, this ultra-exclusive, secure and private gated urbanisation comprises 28 spacious three and four-bedroom residences.
It offers the ultimate luxury apartment experience while also providing owners with the feel and benefits of contemporary villa living: “smart apartments” featuring the most advanced technologies and innovative materials.
The floor-to-ceiling windows and enormous south-facing terraces have been designed to maximise the unparalleled sea views; and all the apartments have a minimum of three large underground garage spaces and a private “basement-storage” room which are directly accessed by each of the homes via a private elevator.
The modern landscaping retains a Mediterranean essence with most of the manicured gardens extending from the property towards the sea, where the stunning design of the swimming pool merges with nature, and the heated pool with solarium allows for all-year-round swimming. Prices are from €2,360,000.
Exceptional Homes
We appreciate your taking the time to read about this outstanding property, but perhaps it is not exactly right for you? If not, we invite you to have a look at our other stunning selections for:
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Seafront Properties,
La Zagaleta and
Special Offers. Simply click on the category of your choice and follow the link. Also please feel free to roam around our website:
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