Remarkable Figures Put Murcia at a Five-Year Tourism High

Murcia, July 19, 2014 (Newswire.com) - 45.5% more foreign tourists visited the Spanish region of Murcia in the first five months of 2014 compared to the same period last year.  This is the highest official figure since 2009 and British visitors account for almost half.

Chris Mercer, Director of estate agent Mercers which has been established in Murcia 20 years, says, “As a region, Murcia is not a big-hitter in tourism terms, dwarfed by the likes of Catalunya and the Balearics in sheer volume, but there are encouraging signs that it could be moving up through the ranks.  The fact is Murcia and the Costa Calida have been rather unknown, even among Spaniards, but with talk of the Paramount Theme Park and general increased publicity, awareness is being raised.  It has attractive villages, a beautiful coastline, historic cities such as Cartagena, Lorca and the capital Murcia, and one of the best year-round climates in Spain.  It’s also far more affordable thanks to its rather inconspicuous nature.”

According to Frontur, Spain’s Institute of Tourism Studies, a total of 266,311 foreign tourists visited Murcia between January and May this year, 83,220 more than the same five months in 2013 – a 45.5% increase.  The UK is the main source country contributing 49.2% of the total - a huge 57% increase over 2013.  French visitors come in second place with an 11.7% share, up 15.7% on last year.  In third are the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, with a 10.6% share, again up a significant 48.7% over 2013.   

Taking May in isolation, the increase of foreign visitors to the Region was even more incredible at 60%, far higher than Spain’s main tourist hotspots with the Canaries only receiving 12.9% more, Catalunya 2.3% and the Balearics 1.2%.  

Expenditure is also up with foreign visitors splurging 259.5 million euros in Murcia from January to May, up 38.8% on the same period in 2013.  This is far higher than the national average increase of 9.1%.  Brits make up 47% of the spending, with many of them owning second homes in the Region.       

Spain, as a whole, has recorded 21,435,167 international tourists for the first five months of 2014, up 8.2% on 2013, with the nation braced for yet another record-breaking year for tourism.  

Contact Mercers Costa Cálida on 00 34 968 199 188, UK Local Rate 0845 017 7805, email [email protected] or visit their brand new website www.spanishproperty.co.uk.  www.facebook.com/mercersspanishproperty. 

On the market in Murcia:
CLAD131 – Clasico-style Property, Camposol Golf, Mazarron

In great condition, this two bedroom one bathroom terraced home has a fully-glazed conservatory to the front to add an extra reception room.  To the rear is a patio with storage while up top there is a rooftop solarium with countryside views and further storage.  Well-maintained, the home is offered fully furnished and is in ready-to-move-in condition.  Camposol Golf has an 18-hole course and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on-site including an opticians, vets, medical centre, hairdressers and a weekly market.  The Blue Flag beaches and marina of Mazarron are within a 15 minute drive.  
Two bedrooms, One bathroom
Price - 52,995 euros (approx 42,000 GBP)

FOD162 – Fortuna-style Villa, Camposol Golf, Mazarron

This Fortuna-style villa on a coveted corner plot has been completely adapted for wheelchair use to include the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom.  The detached home has two bedrooms, a full-length front terrace, large rooftop solarium, rear terrace and a private swimming pool with shower, surrounded by low maintenance trees and shrubs.  Camposol Golf has an 18-hole course and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on-site including an opticians, vets, medical centre, hairdressers and a weekly market.  The Blue Flag beaches and marina of Mazarron are within a 15 minute drive.  
Two bedrooms, One bathroom
Price 99,950 euros (approx 79,000 GBP)

NEA229 - Neptuno-style Villa, Camposol Golf, Mazarron

This improved Neptuno-style villa has three bedrooms and three bathrooms to include a separate self-contained first-floor guest apartment with kitchen accessed by an external staircase.  The owners have glazed in the arches of the covered porch to create a sun-filled conservatory/reception room.  The extensive gardens with lawns, mature planting and automatic irrigation, host a lovely swimming pool with sunbathing terraces as well as a built-in barbecue and gazebo.   There is also an extensive rooftop solarium with lovely views, a garage and driveway.  Camposol Golf has an 18-hole course and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on-site including an opticians, vets, medical centre, hairdressers and a weekly market.  The Blue Flag beaches and marina of Mazarron are within a 15 minute drive.  
Three bedrooms, Three bathrooms
Price – 199,950 euros (approx 158,579 GBP)
Contact Mercers Costa Cálida on 00 34 968 199 188, UK Local Rate 0845 017 7805, email [email protected] or visit their brand new website www.spanishproperty.co.uk.  
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