The summer season in Puigcerdà is drawing to a close with encouraging figures for the local tourism sector. The Tourist Office has recorded a total of over 8,000 visitors, representing an increase of approximately 13% compared to last summer. Of these visitors, around 30% were foreign, primarily from France, but also from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
According to Maria José Barragán, a technician at the Tourist Office, the increase could be attributed to a combination of factors, including earlier mountain tourism and the celebration of significant local events. Festivals such as the Puigcerdà festival, the Festa del Roser, and the Festa de l'Estany attracted a notably higher number of people this year.
Regarding international tourism, Barragán highlighted the tripling of French visitors, which now resembles figures from other parts of Catalonia. An increase in English and US visitors was also observed, but French tourists remain the primary group, coming from various regions across France. This confirms Puigcerdà's standing as an established tourist destination.
The demand for tourist experiences is broad. Visitors show great interest in activities such as the ruta dels Bretons (Bretons' Route), hiking, bicycle rentals, cultural routes, visits to Romanesque sites, as well as local gastronomy and festivities.
The Tourist Office's challenge now is to de-seasonalize its offerings, working collaboratively with the Consell Comarcal (County Council) and the private sector to attract visitors year-round, beyond the months of July and August.
