Riot police are set to be deployed to Benidorm as part of a security operation for the upcoming World Cup in the popular holiday destination favored by British tourists. The town council of the Costa Blanca resort has revealed plans for additional police presence, anticipating an influx of UK visitors who will be following the tournament in Spain. Many England supporters have opted to travel to Spain due to the high costs of accommodations and tickets in the US.
Visitors are expected to gather at various venues in Benidorm, such as bars, clubs, and restaurants, to watch the games under the sun. In recent years, Benidorm has seen a rise in the number of horse racing enthusiasts switching to the destination from the pricey Cheltenham Festival, attracted by the sunny weather and affordable beer promotions.
Local officials have reported a more than 16% increase in air travel capacity in the initial phase of the World Cup, indicating a surge in visitors. A special security initiative for Benidorm during the tournament period, set to run from June 11 to July 19, was announced following a meeting between law enforcement and council members.
According to a spokesperson from Benidorm Town Council, both local and National Police will bolster their patrols during the afternoons and evenings throughout the tournament. The National Police unit, equipped with specialized officers in public order management, will be mobilized to ensure security in the city, particularly during protests and high-risk sports events.
Jesus Carrobles, Benidorm’s Councillor for Citizen Security and Public Service, emphasized the significance of handling the large influx of fans during sporting events. With an observed increase in airline bookings to Alicante from the UK coinciding with the World Cup dates, preparations are being made to manage the anticipated rise in tourism and fan activity.
In light of the surge in demand for trips to Benidorm following concerns over expensive World Cup travel to the US, flight bookings have seen a significant rise, as reported by a leading flight comparison website. Various travel packages to Benidorm have been advertised, offering affordable alternatives to attending the matches in the US.
Aside from Benidorm, other destinations like Magaluf in Majorca and the Costa del Sol are expected to attract football enthusiasts, particularly fans from England and Scotland. The surge in travel interest related to the World Cup highlights the appeal of these popular holiday spots for sports enthusiasts.