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HOLLYWOOD heavyweights Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jared Leto and the Malaga Comic-Con’s first Comic-Con surpassed all expectations.
The four-day extravaganza at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, which ran from September 25-28, attracted more than 120,000 visitors from 20 countries – double the initial forecast of 60,000 attendees for the event’s first outing outside the United States.
Fans coming from far and wide booked up almost every hotel room across the Costa del Sol, while the event pumped €50 million into the local economy.
Leto joined Gwendoline Gwendoline, Luke Evans and Fast and Furious’ Luke Evans as guests of honor.
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Aehcos, the Costa del Sol Hotel Association, reported that Malaga’s accommodation providers saw an economic impact increase of between 12% to 18% in comparison with typical figures for late September. The hotel occupancy rate reached 94%.
Jose Luque, President of Aehcos said: “We are very satisfied with the impact that this international event had on the industry.”
“The economic impact has been extremely positive. Not only have hotel occupancy rates in the capital approached 100%, but also the effects on hotel occupancy.”
Hotels from Estepona to Nerja reported significant increases in bookings.
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Marbella has benefited from the influx of comic book lovers, movie buffs, and cosplayers.
The event transformed the Malaga Conference Centre into the epicenter of geek culture. More than 300 hours were dedicated to comics films, television shows, video games anime and popculture.
The huge turnout indicates that the Costa del Sol may become a regular stop for Comic-Con Europe in future years, potentially providing similar economic benefits.
The Olive Press has more Malaga News. Click here to read it.
