Alex Cuenca

🚍 Grupo Julià and Moventis, forming a temporary joint venture (UTE), won the bid to manage Barcelona's tourist bus service for 12 years, awarded by Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB) after a March tender. Investing €42 million initially, they will introduce 44 electric buses, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,600 tons/year, each bus accommodating 82 passengers and featuring advanced technology, including surveillance systems, 16-language audioguides, WiFi, and USB connectors. Renewable energy infrastructure, like an electric substation, chargers, and solar panels, will support 100% green-energy operation. The service offers four routes—two permanent (Orange and Green) and two seasonal (Night and Christmas Lights)—and includes an annual fixed fee to AMB of €3.85 million plus 16.14% of the service's turnover. At contract end, the buses become AMB's property.

🏨 Javier Hernández, executive vice president of Aehcos, highlighted that over 68% of Málaga's accommodations are tourist homes, affecting Marbella, Málaga city, and Benalmádena. Summer 2024 occupancy was 88.77%, with July at 86.66% and August at 90.89%, exceeding 2023 by two percentage points. Domestic tourism increased from 30% to 40% in August. Despite inflation, August hotel revenues were €8 below 2023. September 2024 expects 88.74% occupancy, improvement over 86.75% in 2023.