The ninth edition of the Andorra Shopping Festival came to a close yesterday. This event, which aims to help destigmatize tourism and boost shopping during a traditionally slow month, has undoubtedly been a catalyst in attracting more visitors. Throughout the three weekends it took place, the main streets of the central parishes were filled with visitors, mostly from neighboring countries, bustling up and down. However, the question of how much these visitors actually spent in the shops during these days always sparks controversy, as some feel satisfied while others believe sales were lackluster, at least compared to expectations.
In terms of visitor turnout, and pending official data, it is clear that the new edition has been a success. This is the initial impression of Andorra Turisme. The director of marketing and communication of the entity, Noemí Pedra, stated that „the feelings are positive because there has been a significant influx of people.“ The strategy of starting activities on November 4, without including the holiday on the 1st, which is a day when many people traditionally travel to the country, seems to have yielded good results. Thus, during the first weekend of November 5 and 6, a significant number of visitors were already present, although the second weekend, on the 12th and 13th, was even better due to the feast of Almudena in Madrid and the French armistice. The audience has been predominantly from Spain and France, highlighting once again the importance of local tourism. „Many families have also come, which is why many activities have been organized for them,“ Pedra pointed out.
The significant influx of visitors has not only benefited the commercial sector but also the hotel industry, as many people took the opportunity to spend at least a day in the country. According to the president of the Hoteliers‘ Union (UHA), Jordi París, this is an event that undoubtedly helps increase overnight stays, as evidenced by the occupancy rates recorded over the past three weekends, which are „very good“ and are already at a level similar to before the pandemic. „The activities that are carried out generate interest and serve as an attraction for people to stay at least one night,“ París asserted.
Most of the merchants consulted find that the Andorra Shopping Festival is an important and established attraction for attracting visitors in a month when they are scarce. For some, this results in increased sales, but others believe that sales are not significantly impacted. The initiative „helps with sales,“ say those from a perfume shop on Avinguda Meritxell, while those from a neighboring shop explained that „we haven’t noticed anything.“ „Last year there were more people,“ opined a shop assistant from a store in Illa Carlemany, while another from the same center stated that the volume of visitors had been „the same or less“ than last year. The Association of Merchants of the Historic Center believes that the Andorra Shopping Festival continues to be a magnet for locals and tourists. „We have noticed an increase in tourists on the streets that are part of the Historic Center,“ the entity stated. „However, some businesses in the area have not had this perception, as they focus more on local customers,“ the association added.
In conclusion, the Andorra Shopping Festival has once again proven to be a successful event in attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. With a mix of local and international tourists, increased foot traffic in the main shopping areas, and positive feedback from both merchants and hoteliers, it is clear that this annual event plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and commerce in Andorra.