The hotel employers' association of the Valencian Community, Hosbec, has quantified the negative effect that the non-participation of establishments in the Imserso program would have on the province of Castellón. According to their estimates, the absence of these hotels could lead to an impact of 3,500 jobs and approximately 37 million euros in provincial revenue.
The sector considers the prices offered by the program, designed to boost activity during the low season, to be insufficient. This situation creates a threat of withdrawal by hotels, which already limited participation to about ten establishments in Castellón in 2024 and 2025 due to its low profitability.
The labor impact is calculated at 1,000 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs, although Hosbec clarifies that this does not necessarily mean the definitive loss of these jobs, but rather a modification of their situation if hotels stop adhering to the program.
Regarding the economic impact, Castellón accounts for 25% of the program's execution in the Valencian Community. This translates to an approximate turnover of 25 million euros, to which an estimated ripple effect of 12 million euros for commerce, restaurants, and other services would be added, bringing the total impact to 37 million.
In the past season, only establishments in Peñíscola (Acuasol, RH Casablanca, Acuazul, RH), Oropesa del Mar (Magic Fantasy, Magic Games, Magic Sports), and Vinaròs (RH Vinaròs Playa) participated in the program.
Hosbec also warns of a drop in tax revenue for regional public coffers, estimated between 10 and 15 million euros solely in VAT, resulting from reduced economic activity and employment.
The non-execution of the program could create a 'desert effect' in tourist municipalities such as Benidorm, Jávea, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Dénia, l’Alfàs del Pi, Peñíscola, Oropesa del Mar, Vinaròs, and Gandia, especially those more dependent on senior tourism during the low season. This could lead to the temporary or permanent closure of businesses.
