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British holidaymakers are back on top in Benidorm - outnumbering the number of Spaniards staying in the famous Costa Blanca resort for the first time in seven years. National tourists claimed the number one spot in 2017 and it stayed that way all the way through to 2024, even though most foreign holidaymakers were still British.

However, UK holidaymakers can now boast of surpassing every nationality, including homegrown tourists, according to new hotel stay figures released by a local association. HOSBEC, the Hotel and Tourism Business Association of the Valencian Community, which has a significant presence in Benidorm, stated that last year's statistics show that visitors from the UK made up a staggering 42.5% of all those who stayed in the Costa town's hotel accommodations.

The number of national visitorsreached 38.6%, a throwback to the pre-Brexit standing not seen since 2016, when the equivalent figures were 46% to 41%.

HOSBEC described the UK as an "undisputed leader" in its 2025 hotel round-up today, with its secretary general, Nuria Montes, saying: "The British are very strong".

Benidorm has sidestepped the anti-tourist protests which have been held in other popular British holiday destinations in Spain, including Tenerife and Majorca.

It has its own Little England area and thousands of Brits, both residents and visitors, lead the way every November at Benidorm's famous annual Fancy Dress Party.

Many racing fans have been turning their back on the Cheltenham Festival of late and flocking to sunspots like Benidorm, where pints can cost as little as £1.70, and many pubs have large screens showing every race.

Last year, there was speculation that theiconic ITV comedy Benidorm was set to return after a multi-year hiatus. The hit show followed a group of Brits abroad in the famous Costa Blanca resort.