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Date Published: 10/07/2024

San Javier Air Festival soars to success, bringing 6.2 million to the town

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The aerial aerobatics provided a huge financial boost to every kind of business in San Javier

San Javier Air Festival soars to success, bringing 6.2 million to the town

The skies over San Javier were not just a display of aerial acrobatics and military might during the International Air Festival held this May; the stunning event also signalled a huge boost to the local economy, bringing in a staggering 6,198,500 euros, according to a study by the University of Murcia's Political Communication Laboratory.

The festival, which took place from May 3 to 5, attracted a massive crowd of 180,000 people in a single day, all eager to witness the thrilling aerial displays. And their presence made a significant impact on the local economy, with an indirect economic boost of 5.2 million euros.

This influx of revenue was felt across various sectors, including accommodation (924,119 euros), catering (1.5 million euros), shopping (650,471 euros) and other expenses (2.1 million euros).

The Mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, presented the impressive study findings alongside the Minister for Tourism, Carmen María Conesa. The event, held at the Institute of Tourism of the Region of Murcia, underscored the festival's success in attracting visitors from across the country. Indeed, 55% of attendees travelled from other municipalities in the Region of Murcia, highlighting its broad appeal.

A representative from the research team provided additional insights into the festival-goer demographics. The gender split was nearly equal, with 50.8% women and 49.2% men, and attendees came from near and far, with 22.5% from other autonomous communities, 3% from abroad and 19.5% from San Javier itself.

The motivation for attending varied, with 54% drawn by their passion for military aviation and 27.8% seeing it as an opportunity for a fun weekend with family and friends. The festival's family-friendly nature was evident, with three out of four attendees bringing their loved ones along.

The weekend was packed full of other event happening alongside the aeronautical displays and these proved immensely popular, with 32.7% of festival-goers taking part. And the town's attractions, like the Museo Tiflológico Aeronáutico, benefited from the influx, with 29% of visitors exploring San Javier’s tourist sites.

When it came to spending, 4.3% of people stayed in hotels for an average of 2.4 days, and a remarkable 59% dined in local restaurants or bars, contributing an average of 29.80 euros per person to the local food scene. The shopping sector also thrived, with 31% of visitors making purchases, and the overall spending per person averaged a healthy 56.40 euros.

Overall, the festival received high marks from attendees, with scores ranging from 8.2 to 9.3 out of 10. The air shows and security were the most highly regarded aspects. An impressive 96.5% of visitors plan to return next year, and a whopping 98% would recommend the experience to others.

Mayor Luengo promised that future festivals will continue to put San Javier on the map, announcing that next year's edition will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Patrulla Águila with a military focus.

He also shared plans for the San Javier Town Council to continue organising these festivals annually, further establishing the municipality as “the city of the air.”

For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of San Javier Today

Image: Festival Aéreo San Javier

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Oficina de Turismo de San Javier

San Javier Tourist Offices The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors, as well as two information points. The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera, on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga. There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral.

Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months, although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season.

Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall, Plaza de España.

Timetables summer 2024:

Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720, Santiago de la Ribera)

Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00

Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00

Telephone: 661 572285

Email: turismo@sanjavier.es

La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km. 0 30380, La Manga del Mar Menor):

May 1 to September 30:

Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00

Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00

Telephone 968 128955 ext. 2