Tourists Choose Alicante for Its Gastronomy

Tourism trends in Spain and Europe are evolving. Travellers are no longer solely attracted by the typical sun and beach; they now seek destinations with a focus on gastronomy. This is evident in the city of Alicante, where "we are beginning to see tourists who come for a restaurant."

The president of the Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations of Alicante, Luis Castillo, highlighted this new traveller philosophy in a recent interview on Alacantí TV. "Tourists are clear that they don't need to ask where they are going," he stated.

This factor, as a new draw for visiting Alicante, the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2025, serves as an additional incentive for the city's and province's tourism. Gastronomy is added to the cultural offerings, among other attractions, providing a new plan that may or may not include sun and beach.

In Alicante, "the gastronomic offer is abundant," Castillo also noted. According to data published by the Department of Tourism in the second half of 2024, the province boasts a total of 14,687 bars and restaurants.

Among these, 13 establishments hold 14 Michelin stars, placing Alicante as the fourth province in Spain in terms of numbers. Additionally, the region is renowned for its seven designations of origin: Alicante Wines, Alicante Spirits, Vinalopó Bagged Grapes, Alicante Mountain Cherries, Callosa d'En Sarrià Loquats, Alicante and Jijona Nougat, and Elche Pomegranate.

This shift in tourist mindset, driven by gastronomy, is also confirmed by surveys from the search engine Jetcost.es. One survey revealed that "eight out of ten travellers" choose to visit Spain and its provinces, like Alicante, for the gastronomy and its typical dishes.

The rice dishes of Alicante are among the reasons, especially within the framework of the Spanish capital, particularly among foreign tourists. According to official data from Turespaña, 12% of the 94 million visitors choose to travel to the peninsula for its gastronomy.

Tourists value aspects such as "authenticity, quality of ingredients, diversity of offerings, and value for money," also noted by the general director of Turespaña, Miguel Sanz, in a report on the impact of gastronomy prepared by KPMG in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Gastronomy.

In this regard, travellers are attracted by "the opportunity to enjoy fresh and local products, culinary tradition, as well as the innovation and creativity of Spanish chefs," in addition to experiencing dining in "a welcoming atmosphere, whether in a high-end restaurant or a traditional tavern."

Thus, this industry, that of fine dining, is the third attribute most associated with Spain by Europeans, following climate and holidays and tourism, as stated in the twelfth edition of the Barometer of Spain's Image prepared by the Royal Elcano Institute.