The best tourism model is neither Benidorm nor Torrevieja: what it means for the region

A statement published in the business newspaper Expansión has sparked discussion among tourism experts: the best tourism model today is neither Benidorm nor Torrevieja.

At first glance, this may seem provocative. However, it reflects a deeper transformation taking place across European tourism.

Benidorm has long been the symbol of mass tourism. It is a high-density city with vertical development, a strong hotel infrastructure and a massive flow of visitors. This model has proven economically efficient for decades.

Torrevieja represents a different model. Tourism is closely linked with permanent residence. The city consists of urbanizations, second homes and a large international population. This provides economic stability but reduces direct tourism revenue and increases pressure on infrastructure.

Experts increasingly agree that traditional models are reaching their limits. Mass tourism overloads cities and infrastructure, while residential models generate less direct economic value.

A new hybrid model is emerging. It focuses not on quantity, but on balance — between residents and visitors, economy and quality of life, growth and sustainability.

There are already clear examples. Málaga has invested in culture and quality tourism. Valencia has achieved a balance between urban life and tourism. Palma de Mallorca has limited mass tourism to increase revenue. Lisbon has started regulating tourist flows. Even Benidorm is evolving through smart technologies.

These examples show that the question is not choosing between two models, but moving toward smarter management.

For Torrevieja, this is a strategic moment. The city is already facing population growth, pressure on parking, transport and healthcare. These are signs that the current model is reaching its limits.

However, finding a new balance is not only about ideas, but also about resources. Transformation requires investment in infrastructure, public spaces and management systems.

Here lies the key point. It is much easier to attract funding when a city presents a clear, modern and attractive vision of its future. In today’s competition, cities that succeed are those that can offer ambitious, sometimes even futuristic development models.

Such visions attract investment, launch projects and reshape urban growth.

Therefore, the main question for Torrevieja is not which model is better, but whether it can define its future and move from uncontrolled growth to managed development.

The answer will determine what the city becomes in the coming years.

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