Cuenca has recorded nearly 212,000 hotel overnight stays between January and August 2026, marking a 0.6% increase from the same period in 2025, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). This announcement was made by Marian López, the delegate of the Castilla-La Mancha regional government in Cuenca, during the opening of the First Congress of Integral Security of Castilla-La Mancha.
López highlighted the significance of congress and meeting tourism in attracting visitors, boosting economic activity, and contributing to the de-seasonalisation of tourism. She was joined by José Santiago Macharal, president of the Association of Private Security Managers (ADISPO), Cuenca's mayor Darío Dolz, and government subdelegate Mari Luz Fernández.
Additionally, López noted that rural tourism in the province has exceeded 137,000 overnight stays in the first eight months of the year, marking the second-best historical record for this period. In terms of employment, she pointed out that August 2026 saw the highest number of Social Security affiliates in the hospitality sector for any August on record, underscoring the importance of this sector for the provincial economy.
Cuenca boasts significant attractions for hosting professional meetings, including its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its rich cultural offerings, natural heritage, gastronomy, and transport links with Madrid and Valencia. López emphasised that events like this congress positively impact hotels, restaurants, shops, and service companies, allowing professionals visiting Cuenca to explore the city and potentially return as tourists.
First Congress of Integral Security of Castilla-La Mancha
The First Congress of Integral Security of Castilla-La Mancha is an initiative by ADISPO, in collaboration with the regional government, bringing together professionals, companies, and specialists from the security sector in Cuenca. The event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and addressing the challenges and opportunities within this evolving sector. Notable speakers from the Security Forces are among the participants, enriching the discussions.
During the inauguration, López expressed gratitude to ADISPO and its regional president, José Santiago Macharal, for choosing Cuenca as the venue for this inaugural congress. She also acknowledged the daily efforts of private security professionals, particularly in public buildings and facilities managed by the Castilla-La Mancha government, where they help protect both workers and citizens accessing services.
Furthermore, López emphasised the importance of coordination between private security and the Security Forces, whose work complements each other within their respective roles. Lastly, she reminded attendees that Cuenca ranks among the safest cities in Spain, asserting that security is a fundamental element for the quality of life and well-being of its citizens.
