Calp arrives this 2026 to FITUR as a fully established tourist destinationwith a reach that extends beyond the regional level and is strengthened year after year in the main indicators of the sector. The municipality's presence at the international fair takes place in a context of recognition and positioning, in which Calp maintains its appeal both for the national as well as for the international visitor throughout the year.
In this interview, the mayor of Calp, Ana Sala, reflects on the external perception of the municipality, its place within the tourist map of the Valencia and the Costa Blanca and the progress made to become a leading tourist destination. The mayor also addresses the challenges of maintaining the tourist excellence, the value of public-private collaboration and the role of cultural and festive identity as differentiating elements in the image that Calp projects to the world.
QUESTION. FITUR is one of the major showcases for international tourism. What place does Calp occupy today within the tourist map of the Valencian Community and the Costa Blanca?
R. Calpe has been a well-established tourist destination for years. I say "well-established" because it's undeniable that Calpe is currently among the top ten tourist destinations in Spain. Recently, we read that European retirees have chosen us as their top choice for living in Spain.
At the regional level, we could say that we stand out, and every year the occupancy data reveals that we continue to be a paradise destination that attracts national tourists in July and August, and in the rest of the year those who visit us are foreigners, who are not afraid of our warmer temperatures and even the low temperatures of January and February.
We hold the 4th position in hotel beds in the Valencian Community and continue to grow in tourist apartments and villas, indicators of the constant demand we generate. The destination doesn't change, it evolves and adapts to the needs of our clients: the travelers.
Q. In this edition, Calp presents a new tourism campaign that focuses on traditionally less visible months. What does this approach say about the evolution of the municipality's tourism model?
R. Calpe is evolving and responding to demand in its pursuit of tourism excellence. Therefore, we are committed to meeting all the needs of our visitors. The tourism department constantly monitors the destination, conducts satisfaction surveys, and focuses primarily on areas for improvement to better serve our visitors.
It's true that the peak vacation months of July, August, and September require little promotion. Tourists choose us; they come on their own.
We delve into those months, from November to June, in which you can enjoy our Calp in a different way and with our complementary offer: visits to our archaeological heritage, a varied cultural program, the charm of our historic center and all the gastronomic, sporting and green potential of the municipality. Hiking, Cycling Or simply rest and disconnect; because holidays can also be DOLCE FAR NIENTE.
Q. The awarding of the Smart Tourist Destination distinction places Calp in a select group of destinations. What challenges does the City Council now face after this recognition?
R. Smart tourist destination, accessible tourist destination, SICTEC, municipality of tourist excellence by the GVA… What more could we ask for? Our challenge will always be to maintain this level of excellence, while remaining sustainable and prioritizing quality over quantity.
All of this is possible thanks to the work, effort, and commitment of the private sector, with whom we work hand in hand. Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten this far. I also want to highlight the immense dedication of the tourism department, which has been fully committed to this for years.
P. The parties de Moors and Christians They are celebrating their 50th anniversary and aspire to be declared a National Tourist Interest. What role does cultural identity play in Calp's international projection strategy?
R. It is essential to be diverse and different, for the destination to stand out among similar ones. This year, one of FITUR's main focuses will be precisely to showcase that Calp, in addition to everything we already know, is a town with deeply rooted traditions. Being a seafaring town has strengthened and defined us; we have a historic center that is the origin of Calp and its people, and we are able to make those roots visible through our festivals.
In August, we pay homage to the Mare de Déu de les Neus; in October, to the Santíssim Crist de la Suor; and in July, we celebrate the Port festivities in honor of the Mare de Déu del Carme, deeply rooted in our maritime tradition. At FITUR, we'll be talking about Calp from the perspective of the festive identity that defines us. #festivespirit
Q. The 50th anniversary of these festivities will continue until 2027. How is this celebration planned from an institutional and tourism perspective?
R. The 50th anniversary of the Moors and Christians festival in Calp is an event that will generate much discussion this year and next. To speak of the Moors and Christians festival in Calp is to speak of... crop, tradition, history, coexistence and elegance; it's about partying, but also about responsibility and seriousness.
Those who have organized this celebration for the past fifty years, with the collaboration of the Calp City Council and the Associació de Moros i Cristians de Calp, are well aware of the effort, responsibility and, above all, the enthusiasm necessary to achieve the high level that this festival has today in our municipality.
We are currently working on the economic impact report for the Moors and Christians festival. We know that October is a busy month in Calp: we enjoy numerous celebrations, but this is undoubtedly the most popular and well-attended. In fact, we are already receiving inquiries about the dates of this year's parade, which will take place from October 21st to 25th. Visitors from Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Russia, and Poland often time their holidays to coincide with these festivities.
The declaration as a Festival of National Tourist Interest would be the icing on the cake of this exquisite festival that is our celebration in honor of the Holy Christ of the Sweat.
Q. In a context of high competition between destinations, what do you think visitors are looking for today when they choose Calp?
R. We are a municipality that preserves its essence and roots, and this is evident in our streets. An open and cosmopolitan municipality, open to the world 365 days a year and brimming with opportunities for all tastes. We are a smart, accessible, sustainable, and inclusive destination.
Q. If you had to summarize in one sentence what Calp wants to show at FITUR 2026, what would it be?
R. Everything that's good is in Calpe.
