Benidorm is preparing for a major influx of football fans this summer after local authorities confirmed a large-scale security operation that will include riot police deployments, increased patrols and reinforced evening policing as thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the Costa Blanca resort during the World Cup.
The operation comes as officials report a significant increase in travel demand, particularly from the United Kingdom, with airlines already increasing capacity to Alicante during the early stages of the tournament.
Authorities expect the football tournament to create one of the busiest summer periods for Benidorm’s hospitality sector.
Benidorm Launches Special Security Operation From June To July
Benidorm’s special security operation will run from June 11 until July 19, covering the full duration of the World Cup.
Local police and National Police units will reinforce afternoon, evening and night shifts across the resort as authorities prepare for increased activity in entertainment districts, bars and public spaces.
The operation will also include officers from Alicante’s specialized public order police units, which are typically deployed during large events, demonstrations and high-risk sporting occasions.
Officials say the scale of the operation may be adjusted depending on how demand evolves during the tournament.
Flight Demand From Britain Drives Tourism Surge
Authorities say airline capacity into Alicante has already increased by approximately 16.4% during the tournament’s opening phase between June 11 and June 27.
Officials expect a significant share of these travelers to come from the United Kingdom, with many visitors choosing to watch matches from Spanish resorts rather than travel directly to host countries.
Travel platforms previously reported exceptionally strong booking growth to Alicante, with some suggesting reservations increased more than 300% compared with normal seasonal patterns.
The trend reflects growing demand for lower-cost alternatives as fans search for cheaper destinations combining football, sunshine and nightlife.
Football Tourism Continues Reshaping Spanish Resorts
Benidorm’s famous entertainment districts are expected to become major gathering points for supporters throughout the competition.
Tour operators have increasingly marketed Spanish resorts as alternatives to expensive sports tourism packages, particularly for travelers seeking cheaper accommodation and food options.
Authorities also expect additional demand across other popular British holiday destinations including Mallorca and the Costa del Sol.
For Benidorm’s tourism industry, the tournament represents both an economic opportunity and a logistical challenge as the resort prepares for one of its largest concentrations of football-focused visitors in recent years.
