Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is one of the most important and awe-inspiring traditions in Spain, celebrated yearly during Easter. Visitors from all over the world come to participate in street processions, church masses, and music. It also coincides with most school spring breaks, traditionally a peak travel time. So, how did property managers in Spain fare during this year’s Holy Week?
The “Big Three” KPI’s for property managers improved substantially this year over last. Adjusted RevPAR shows a year-over-year increase of 26%, driven by both occupancy and rate growth. Adjusted Paid Occupancy increased by 9% (from 60% to 67%), while Average Daily Rates grew by 16% (from €140 to €162), indicating that property managers successfully attracted more guests while simultaneously commanding higher prices. However, Average Stay Length decreased by 17%, suggesting travelers are opting for shorter visits despite paying more per night. The Average Booking Window remained unchanged (0%), indicating consistent planning behavior year-over-year.
This performance likely reflects several economic factors. First, the timing shift from March to April typically brings warmer weather in Spain, potentially increasing destination appeal. Historical weather data for Madrid, a popular Holy Week destination, shows average temperatures increasing from approximately 13°C in late March to around 16°C in mid-April, making outdoor events more enjoyable. Secondly, Spain's tourism sector has shown resilience and growth despite inflationary pressures. Growth trajectory continued from 2024 into 2025, with the Spanish government raising its GDP growth forecast to 2.6%, outpacing many European counterparts Thirdly, the shortened average stay length may reflect broader economic constraints, with travelers maintaining their traditional Holy Week trips but reducing duration to manage overall vacation budgets amid continued cost-of-living pressures throughout Europe.
These trends highlight how strategic pricing and demand management can help property managers capitalize on high-traffic periods like Holy Week, even as traveler behaviors evolve. The ability to achieve higher revenues despite shorter stays underscores the importance of data-informed decision-making. As Spain continues to attract strong domestic and international tourism, staying ahead of market shifts is crucial. To ensure you're not just keeping pace but leading, use Key Data Dashboard to monitor your own portfolio’s performance in real time. Benchmark your key metrics against both your own competitive sets and the market using our new enhanced benchmarking tool, identify opportunities during demand peaks, and refine your strategy with precision. As the next peak season approaches, let data guide your success.
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