Estepona is home to 4,529 British citizens, making up nearly 6% of the population and actively engaging with the local community. The Mayor, José María García Urbano, welcomed the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Spain, Alex Ellis, at the Town Hall to enhance collaboration and emphasize the strong ties between the UK and Estepona, particularly in terms of tourism and residential relations. Discussions included topics such as integrating the British community, the positive influence of British tourism on the economy, and opportunities for cultural and social partnerships. With one in every five hotel guests being British, accounting for 20.31% of all visitors, the Mayor emphasized the significance of the British market for local tourism. The 4,529 British residents are part of various associations in Estepona, contributing actively to the community’s social fabric. Ambassador Alex Ellis praised this community as a crucial link between the two nations and expressed gratitude for the municipality’s warm reception of British expatriates. The UK remains a key tourism market for the Costa del Sol, with 2.83 million Britons arriving at Malaga airport in 2024, constituting 22.9% of total passengers. Following the official meetings, the ambassador engaged with British associations in Estepona, further solidifying the city’s international standing as a diverse, sustainable, and inclusive destination. Mayor García Urbano affirmed the City Council’s commitment to initiatives supporting foreign residents’ integration and enhancing cultural diversity for mutual growth.
UK Ambassador strengthens cooperation with Estepona