Few destinations anywhere in the world have achieved and sustained the level of fame enjoyed today by the marina complex of Puerto Banús. Located in the “jewel in the crown” of the Costa del Sol, Marbella, every year this luxury marina becomes a magnet for celebrities, eccentric millionaires and inquisitive tourists.
According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the INE, Puerto Banús is the second most important shopping district in the country, with shoppers spending an average of almost €1000 on tax-free purchases, a figure only surpassed by Madrid’s Barrio de Salamanca. The rest of the city of Marbella occupies ninth position, with an average spending of €357.
Where do these visitors come from? Apart from Spanish nationals, who account for over 33% of the visitors, it is the Brits who lead the field with around 22% of the total. Dutch, American, Russian and Arab visitors have also been seduced by the charms of Puerto Banús and Marbella, making it one of the most desirable luxury destinations in the world.
The number of visitors has continued to rise, and in recent years has been boosted by the security concerns – whether due to terrorist attacks or political instability – that have troubled other destinations.
During 2016, Marbella’s hotels saw their highest occupancy rates in August, reaching 88.9%, while in July and September they were also over 80%.
The most sought-after brands
The most exclusive luxury labels in the world of fashion are also big fans of Puerto Banús. One after another, the big labels and brands have fought to secure a few square meters of floor space on the marina front. Take Versace: in 2015 they opened their first outlet in Spain for Versus, the company’s second line. Their compatriots Max Mara followed suit in 2016, opening a boutique in the area.
U.S. shoemaker Steve Madden, distributed in Spain by the Albion 1879 group, opened its first Spanish point of sale here, while French fashion brand Ikks arrived in 2016, as did Zadig&Voltaire.
Finally, the Dsquared 2 has announced that this summer, Banús will be the location for its second store in Spain.
