Marbella has been honored as the Best Destination for Arab Tourism in Europe 2026. This award emphasizes the city’s quality offerings, security, advanced infrastructure, and its ability to meet the expectations of a continually growing market.

Ángeles Muñoz, the mayor, emphasized the significance of this accolade, which was also granted in 2024, stating it supports the model they have been advocating for years—one based on excellence, market diversification, and sustainability. She underlined that Marbella is a welcoming and hospitable locale, ready to receive visitors from around the globe. “It is an honor for the administration and for the entire city that institutions of the highest caliber recognize our offerings.”
Translation: “It is an honor for the administration and for the entire city that institutions of the highest caliber recognize our offerings.”

The award from the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) came after thorough studies analyzing various criteria, including service quality, accessibility, cultural openness, and hospitality. The report highlighted the ongoing modernization and development efforts that have positioned Marbella as a benchmark for sustainable tourism and an attractive destination for the Arab market.

Muñoz noted the recent recognition by American Express Travel, which listed Marbella among the top ten must-visit destinations for 2026, making it the only Spanish city on that list.
Translation: “Muñoz noted the recent recognition by American Express Travel, which listed Marbella among the top ten must-visit destinations for 2026, making it the only Spanish city on that list.”

Muñoz emphasized the friendship between Marbella and Arab countries, stating that this recognition is a collective effort, benefiting both the tourism sector and municipal policies aimed at strengthening this rapport. “Building cultural and economic bridges is essential for establishing quality tourism that positively impacts the local economy,” she added. Translation: “Building cultural and economic bridges is essential for establishing quality tourism that positively impacts the local economy.”

She insisted this milestone strengthens Marbella’s position on the global tourism map and encourages ongoing efforts to attract high-value markets that help in desegregating tourism seasons and generating employment. Furthermore, she expressed that they aim to continue fostering international collaboration and promote initiatives that will further solidify Marbella as a leading destination in Europe. Translation: “They aim to continue fostering international collaboration and promote initiatives that will further solidify Marbella as a leading destination in Europe.”

Bandar Fahad AlFehaid, the president of the ATO, extended his congratulations to the municipality for this well-deserved recognition and expressed his eagerness to enhance future collaboration that will contribute to boosting tourism growth, experience exchange, and achieving new successes for both parties.