The tourism sector in Euskadi is approaching the start of Easter Week with a mix of optimism and caution. Recent cold and rainy weather has slowed down bookings, leaving many accommodations with moderate occupancy while awaiting last-minute visitors. However, the improved weather forecast from Euskalmet, predicting sunshine and a significant rise in temperatures from this Good Friday, is generating positive expectations.
The camping sector, which is highly dependent on weather conditions, has seen notable growth since the pandemic. Juan Luis Sáez, president of the Euskadi Camping Association, reported that on Holy Monday, bookings were “timidly” at 60% for bungalows and 40% for pitches. Sáez explains that people are waiting until the last minute, hoping for the weather forecast to improve.
“"People who try it usually come back."
This boom has diversified the customer profile, now including travelers who previously opted for hotels or rural houses. Furthermore, there's an observed increase in international clients, especially during the low season, with travelers from northern Europe passing through Euskadi on their way south.
Despite growing demand, the sector faces obstacles to expansion, such as bureaucracy and costs. Juan Luis Sáez points out that while there's room to grow beyond the current 22 campsites, the administrative processes are quite complex. By territory, Gipuzkoa has the largest offering with 15 campsites, followed by Bizkaia with 5, and Álava with 2. Rising fuel prices also directly affect caravan and motorhome users, potentially leading them to travel less or stay longer in one location to save on fuel.
The situation is similar for other types of accommodation. Hotels in Gipuzkoa already have an 80% occupancy rate, expecting to reach 90% during the central days of Easter Week. Rural accommodations are also relying on last-minute bookings, although Idoia Ezkurdia, manager of Nekatur, admits they will not match last year's figures. Ezkurdia emphasizes that weather significantly influences decision-making for their predominantly national clientele, with a notable influx of visitors from Madrid and Catalonia, in addition to local Basque customers.
