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Andalucía’s hospitality sector is banking on August to make up for a disappointing July
The head of the region's hotel federation is cautiously optimistic, but has some sharp words for the government over the planned terrace smoking ban
July wasn't the month Andalucía’s hospitality industry was hoping for. Revenue came in just under 2% below the same period last year, a modest but noticeable dip that followed a promising spring. The good news, according to Javier Frutos, president of the Andalusian Hospitality Federation and vice-president of Hospitality of Spain, is that August should more than compensate."August is one of the most important months of the year for the hospitality industry," he said, adding that the July losses "were not very significant." The sector had already noticed consumption beginning to moderate in 2025, and this year that trend has continued. "Consumption is not growing at the levels it was in 2023 and 2024," Frutos acknowledged, though he described the slowdown as broadly within expectations.
The year started slowly due to heavy rainfall in the first quarter, which Frutos took a philosophical view of, describing it as an "investment" given Spain's pressing need to replenish water reserves. May and June then recovered well, with revenue edging up compared to the previous year, before July broke the run.
Looking further ahead, Frutos was noticeably upbeat about September and October, two months that have been quietly strengthening in recent years as a different type of visitor, typically less seasonal and higher-spending, discovers Andalucía outside the peak summer rush. The extension of the tourist season is something the sector has been actively encouraging, and the signs are that it's working.
The other topic Frutos was keen to address was the government's proposed ban on smoking on bar and restaurant terraces. The legislation is not yet in force but has already created considerable uncertainty among businesses and customers alike. Frutos was careful to say the sector is not defending tobacco, but he questioned whether restricting terraces is the most effective way to reduce smoking, and was notably critical of the lack of consultation during the drafting process.
His most pointed concern was practical. If the ban passes, wait-staff would effectively be expected to police customer behaviour, a role he clearly thinks they shouldn't have to take on. "We will adapt as necessary," he said, but warned the measure could push smokers into surrounding streets and create noise and neighbour disputes in the process.
Image: Ivan Georgie/Pexels
