Marbella, Recognized as the Best Destination for Arab Tourism in Europe in 2026

Marbella has been recognized as the Best Destination for Arab Tourism in Europe 2026, an award that highlights the quality of its offerings, its safety, its advanced infrastructure, and its ability to meet the expectations of a continuously growing market. The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, has emphasized that this award, which was also granted in 2024, "is a recognition of the model we have been committed to for years, based on excellence, market diversification, and sustainability," while noting that "we are an open, hospitable town ready to welcome visitors from all over the world." She also stated that "it is a pride for the administration and for the city as a whole that top-level institutions value our offerings."

The distinction was awarded by the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO), an entity based in Saudi Arabia, after conducting studies and professional evaluations that analyzed multiple criteria, including the quality of services, accessibility, cultural openness, and the level of hospitality. The report also highlights the ongoing modernization and development process, which has made Marbella a benchmark in sustainable tourism and an especially attractive location for the Arab market.

The mayor recalled that "the municipality was also recently chosen by American Express Travel as one of the top ten essential destinations to travel to in 2026, being the only Spanish city included in this selection."

International Collaboration

Muñoz has remarked on "the friendship that unites Marbella and the Arab countries" and stated that "this recognition is the result of the effort of everyone, from the tourism sector and municipal policies aimed at enhancing our projection." She added that "continuing to build bridges of cultural and economic cooperation is key to consolidating quality tourism with a positive impact on the local economy."

"This milestone reinforces our position on the global tourism map and encourages us to continue advancing in attracting high-value markets that contribute to deseasonalization and job creation"

Ángeles Muñoz

Mayor of Marbella

Furthermore, she highlighted that "this milestone strengthens our position in the global tourism map and motivates us to keep advancing in attracting high-value markets that contribute to deseasonalization and job creation." Lastly, she expressed that the "will" of the City Council is "to continue tightening international collaboration and promoting initiatives that further consolidate Marbella as one of Europe's leading destinations."

For his part, the president of the Arab Tourism Organization, Bandar Fahad AlFehaid, congratulated the municipality for "this well-deserved recognition" and expressed his interest "in continuing to strengthen future collaboration in a way that contributes to boosting tourism growth, exchanging experiences, and achieving new successes for both parties."