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The love affair between Britain and the Region of Murcia is reaching new heights, with British tourist arrivals soaring by a whopping 62% during the first four months of 2025. This remarkable growth has positioned the UK as Murcia's most valuable international market, bringing both visitors and substantial economic benefits to this slice of the Med.

 

The Region's tourism success isn't happening by accident. The Ministry of Tourism, working alongside the Institute of Tourism of the Region of Murcia (Itrem), the Cartagena Conference Bureau and the Business Association of Hospitality and Tourist Accommodation of the Costa Cálida (Hostetur), made a strategic debut at London's prestigious 'The Meeting Show' on earlier in June.

 

This landmark participation in one of Europe's most important MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector fairs marked Murcia's first-ever presence at the event. Under the Turespaña umbrella, the regional delegation worked to establish new business relationships with more than 1,500 accredited international buyers, positioning the Region of Murcia as an emerging powerhouse for corporate events and conferences.

 

Itrem Director Juan Francisco Martínez emphasised that "participation in this type of specialized trade fair with differentiated products, such as MICE, reinforces our strategy of diversification and international positioning. In this sense, investing in the United Kingdom in this segment is key, not only because of its influencer potential, but also because it is the region's leading international source market."

 

But the numbers themselves speak volumes about Murcia's rising appeal. Between January and April 2025, the UK delivered 117,352 tourists to the Region, meaning Britain accounted for an impressive 36.5% share of all international tourism to Murcia - the Region's undisputed champion in terms of visitor volume.

 

Even more significant is the economic impact. British tourists generated €128.8 million in tourism expenditure during this four-month period, representing 31.8% of total foreign tourism spending in the region. This makes the UK not just Murcia's largest source of visitors, but also its most economically valuable international market.

 

 

Image: CARM