It will be launched on Thursday, July 6. After obtaining good results in 2022, when the celebration had a direct cost of 163.4 million euros, the data is expected to be better this year, surpassing those prior to the pandemic. The celebration of the patron saint of Pamplona is one of the most international festivals in Spain, as well as the one that generates the most money, only behind the Fallas in Valencia, the April Fair in Seville and El Pilar in Zaragoza.
The week of Sanfermines is an economic engine for the city of Pamplona, managing to double its population. Last year, according to figures published by the City Council, there were 430,564 people who enjoyed the festivity. The sectors that benefit the most are the hotel and tourism industry, which in some cases exceed 25% of their annual income. Such is the weight that this festivity has in the region that, “this week 50% of the reservations of our services are generated throughout the year.” This is the case of Destino Navarra, official tourist guides for Pamplona and Navarra.
Thus, Mikel Ollo, CEO of Destino Navarra, told La Información that they have been preparing San Fermín since September of last year and that as of this week they already have two projects underway for the great week of Pamplona in 2024. In addition, he highlights that the economic impact of this year will be greater than that of the previous year, since in 2023 Asian tourists return to Pamplona. The past course will not be able to arrive due to the restrictions of the coronavirus in their countries of origin. These tourists account for only 10% of the total party-goers, but they have a great weight in total spending. Destino Navarra will serve groups mainly from China, but also from Japan and South Korea. The majority of tourists belong to a population from the US, Canada, South Africa and Australia.
This year the average cost per person who attends San Fermín will increase. In the fiestas last year, it amounted to 365 euros on average, with restoration being the sector that billed the most, according to data from the study published by the Pamplona City Council. Tourists, with an average stay of 3.6 days, spent amounts ranging from 273 euros for residents of the Pamplona region and 348 euros for national tourists to 494 euros for international tourists.
San Fermín and the blow of inflation
This week prices are skyrocketing, this year even more due to inflation. Hotels and apartments get to multiply their prices by six. Only 20% of Destino Navarra customers choose to enjoy all the services they offer, including gastronomy, tickets to the bullring, tourist guides, 4×4 routes… Although, without a doubt, the most important service they offer is the rental of balconies.
Renting these viewpoints costs between 120 and 200 euros. These prices are far from some of the testimonials of tourists, especially foreigners, others who for years claimed to have paid up to 1,000 euros. The rental of these balconies generates many debates. Ollo comments on the “injustice that occurs with these situations.” He argues that his corporation pays around 40% of a tax but that on many platforms or through social networks black balconies are rented, which harms the different companies in the sector. In addition, he adds that these acts are not prosecuted from the Navarra Foral Treasury.
