City of Ciudad Real sets a new record in tourism employment in July, becoming the second province nationwide to witness an increase in rural tourism visitors during the first half of the year.
In the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, the province of Ciudad Real is experiencing a steady growth in tourism, albeit not as rapidly as other regions like Valencia or the Balearic Islands.
According to recent data, between January and June of this year, Ciudad Real has become the second province in Spain that has grown the most in the arrival of tourists in rural tourism, and the sixth in growth in overnight stays [1]. This growth has resulted in the province exceeding a market share of 10 percent in the offer of rural tourism in the country [2].
The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has highlighted this positive moment in the tourism sector, specifically in the province of Ciudad Real. The Minister of Economy, Business and Employment, Patricia Franco, made these statements during her visit to the municipality of Pozuelo de Calatrava [3].
One of the key initiatives to boost tourism in Pozuelo de Calatrava is a new cycling tourism route. This route will connect the Laguna de La Inesperada and the Virgen de los Santos in Pozuelo de Calatrava, with an investment of 25,000 euros by the regional government and the town hall [4].
Pozuelo de Calatrava, which was recently declared a Tourist Municipality of Castilla-La Mancha, also offers unique natural environments that attract tourists. The Laguna de La Inesperada, for instance, is a significant draw [5].
The regional government, in collaboration with the Tourism Sustainability Plan of Geoparques, will also invest 4.2 million euros in the artistic and sustainable lighting of the environment of La Inesperada [6].
In July, Ciudad Real broke its record for employment in the tourism sector, with 12,229 people affiliated at the end of the month [7]. This figure represents the highest ever recorded in the province, regardless of the month analyzed [8].
The mayor of Pozuelo de Calatrava, David Triguero, and his municipal corporation played a key role in achieving the Tourist Municipality status for Pozuelo de Calatrava [9]. The Main Retablo of the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Pozuelo de Calatrava is another great patrimonial attraction that adds to the province's tourism appeal.
While Spain as a whole is seeing growth in tourism, Ciudad Real’s tourism growth is not prominently reported as rapid or exceptional in the 2025 sources [1]. Its local market characteristics suggest a more modest pace, with an emphasis on property affordability that may reflect a different tourist or visitor profile than high-volume destinations [4].
[1] Source: National Institute of Statistics of Spain [2] Source: Patricia Franco, Minister of Economy, Business and Employment [3] Source: Government of Castilla-La Mancha [4] Source: Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha [5] Source: Pozuelo de Calatrava Town Hall [6] Source: Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha and Tourism Sustainability Plan of Geoparques [7] Source: Social Security in tourism activities [8] Source: Patricia Franco, Minister of Economy, Business and Employment [9] Source: Pozuelo de Calatrava Town Hall
- A growing number of tourists are discovering the rich history and unique lifestyle of Pozuelo de Calatrava in Ciudad Real, Spain, as they embark on rural tourism trips or cycle along the newly developed routes, enjoying the natural beauty of the Laguna de La Inesperada.
- As Ciudad Real's tourist growth pace may not be as rapid as other Spanish regions like Valencia or the Balearic Islands, its focus on affordable property and diverse tourist attractions, such as the Main Retablo of the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, offers a different but captivating travel experience worth exploring.
