Marbella’s mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, has secured a significant milestone for the city by signing an agreement in Beijing, confirming Marbella as the host city for the 2025 Congress of the World Federation of Tourist Cities. This prestigious event is set to bring global attention to Marbella, underscoring its importance as a premier tourist destination and solidifying its status in the international tourism sector.
The agreement was finalized after Muñoz’s participation in the forum of presidents at the tourism summit, where she represented approximately 250 cities from 90 countries. As a guest of the event, her involvement culminated in the official accord, which marks a major achievement for Marbella, further elevating its global profile.
Engaging with Global Leaders in Tourism
During this year’s ‘World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development,’ held in Beijing, Mayor Muñoz engaged in meaningful discussions with leaders from Italy, Zimbabwe, the Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Peru, the UK, and China. The summit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on advancing the global tourism industry, promoting sustainable development, and preserving cultural heritage.
Addressing an audience of over 400 participants, which included government officials, local authorities, and key figures from the tourism industry, Muñoz emphasized Marbella’s ongoing commitment to tourism excellence. She highlighted the city’s strategic investments in high-quality tourism offerings, its favorable climate, and its well-established brand, which have contributed to its recognition as Europe’s premier tourist destination for 2024. Marbella’s reputation was further boosted by being named a European Destination of Honour by the Arab League’s Tourism Organization.
Strengthening Ties with the Chinese Market
Muñoz also underscored the importance of Marbella’s relationship with the Chinese tourism market, noting that thousands of Chinese tourists visit Andalusia each year. These visitors, many with high purchasing power and longer stays, represent a valuable demographic for Marbella as it continues to position itself as a leading destination for luxury travel.
In a promising development for the region, Muñoz revealed that Air China is considering introducing new direct flights to Malaga in 2025. The potential new routes could bring tens of thousands of additional visitors to the Costa del Sol, enhancing Marbella’s reputation as a world-class travel hub and further boosting the local tourism economy.
With these exciting developments on the horizon, Marbella is reinforcing its status as a top destination not only in Europe but also on the global stage. The city’s commitment to providing exceptional tourism experiences continues to attract international visitors, particularly those seeking luxury and high-end travel experiences.
The 2025 Congress of the World Federation of Tourist Cities will undoubtedly spotlight Marbella as a key player in the global tourism industry, cementing its place as a must-visit destination for travelers around the world.
