Hotels in the Alt Pirineu i Aran, Catalonia's northern mountain region, are forecast to fill 80–90% of rooms from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, the Diada weekend. Diada is Catalonia's National Day and a public holiday on Friday 11 September, creating a three-day break for many visitors.

The estimates from the Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Lleida, the tourism board of Lleida Provincial Council, point to strong demand in the Pyrenees. Visitors hoping to stay in the area over the weekend may find fewer rooms available, while hotels on the Lleida plain are forecast to be markedly less busy.

Occupancy differs sharply by accommodation type

The tourism board's estimates, based on information supplied by accommodation businesses in the province, put average occupancy across the area at about 75%.

  • Pyrenees hotels: 80–90% occupancy.
  • Hotels on the Lleida plain: up to 40% occupancy.
  • Rural holiday homes: about 70% occupancy.
  • Camping bungalows: 50–60% occupancy, while pitches for tents and caravans have lower booking levels.

Ponent, the western part of Lleida province centred on the plains rather than the Pyrenees, is expected to record lower hotel occupancy than the mountain areas.

Late-summer activity bookings remain strong

Juan Antonio Serrano, vice-president of the Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Lleida, said the bookings indicated that the summer tourism season was extending into September.

“These are good figures which show that the summer season is continuing into September.”

Outdoor-activity businesses are also reporting solid demand, although below July and August levels. In Pallars Sobirà, the comarca with the largest supply of such businesses, bookings are expected to reach 70%, with the final result dependent on the weather.

The active-tourism season is due to finish in mid-October. Visitors planning a Diada break should check availability directly with their chosen accommodation or activity provider before travelling.

Reported by lamanyana.cat, radioseu.cat, Lleida.com, Pirineus Digital, campingscat.com, segre.com, aralleida.cat, europapress.es, CatalunyaPress.es, cadenaser.com, cope.es.