Hotels in Lleida's Pyrenees were between 90% and 100% occupied over the Assumption weekend, with several establishments full, while hotel occupancy in the inland Terres de Lleida area stood at about 50%, according to figures reported by APD Notícies.

For visitors, the difference meant heavy pressure at mountain destinations and more hotel availability away from the Pyrenees. Access queues formed at Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and the Espot car park reached its vehicle capacity.

Camping and rural stays also draw holiday visitors

The Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Lleida, the Lleida Provincial Council's tourism board, reported very high occupancy for campsites and bungalows in the Pyrenees and La Noguera, with levels close to full capacity.

  • Hotels in the Lleida Pyrenees: 90% to 100% occupied.
  • Hotels in the inland Terres de Lleida: about 50% occupied.
  • Rural tourism in both areas: forecast occupancy of 95%.
  • Water activities in Pallars Sobirà: 80% of places reserved.

The 50% figure for inland hotels was well below the 90% occupancy recorded during the total eclipse, APD Notícies reported.

Hospitality sector expects activity to fall after 20 August

Josep Castellarnau, president of the Federació d'Hostaleria de Lleida, the province's hospitality federation, said the Assumption weekend would bring the month's highest visitor numbers. He said the sector had previously recorded occupancy of between 65% and 80%.

“More or less as every year; we are happy and it is time to enjoy this month of August.”Josep Castellarnau, president of the Federació d'Hostaleria de Lleida

Castellarnau said activity is expected to begin falling from 20 August. Visitors travelling by car towards Aigüestortes should allow extra time for access, after the Espot car park filled during the weekend.

Reported by apdnoticies.com, APD Noticies.