Alicante Set to Host the Start of The Ocean Race for the Sixth Consecutive Time

The Regional Minister for Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, Marián Cano, has highlighted the strategic importance of Alicante hosting the start of The Ocean Race for the sixth consecutive time. According to Cano, the event “projects the Comunidad Valenciana as an international benchmark for innovation, sustainability and commitment to the ocean” and she confirmed that the regional government will devote “every possible effort to ensure that Alicante once again hosts this top-tier international sporting event and that this edition becomes the best race in the event’s history”.

With one year to go until the start of this iconic competition, the Generalitat Valenciana is reaffirming its commitment to Alicante as the official Host Port. This role turns the city into a global capital of sailing and marine sustainability, supported by a ten-day programme of activities at the Ocean Live Park that will attract local, national and international visitors.

Organised by the Generalitat through the Digital Transformation Projects Agency (SPTD), this major international event will further enhance the international profile of the Comunidad Valenciana as a leader in innovation, sustainable tourism and nautical sport. “It is truly exciting to think that the fleet will set sail from Alicante to begin this extraordinary round-the-world adventure,” the minister said.

“Alicante and the Comunidad Valenciana are immensely proud to have been the Host Port of The Ocean Race for almost 20 years, and to be the city that has hosted the start more times than any other,” she added. “As the starting point of this epic competition, Alicante will become an exceptional meeting place for innovation and a showcase for our maritime heritage and strong international outlook.” Cano also stressed that hosting The Ocean Race reflects “our deep commitment to ocean health and education, inspiring new generations to understand, respect and protect the sea that connects us all”.

Alicante has hosted the race since the 2008–2009 edition and will serve as Host Port for the sixth consecutive time, marking an 18-year partnership with the competition. The race’s global headquarters and official museum are located in Alicante, cementing the Comunidad Valenciana’s position as a permanent host and generating significant economic impac

According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, the most recent edition (2022–2023) generated an impact of €71.6 million on Spain’s GDP and €58.5 million on the GDP of the Comunidad Valenciana. It also created 1,232 full-time equivalent jobs nationwide, 1,071 of them in the Valencian region, and delivered a return of €7.90 for every euro invested by the SPTD in the region.

Visitors and event operations generated €48.2 million in spending across Spain, benefiting sectors such as accommodation and hospitality (€15.5 million), retail (€10.1 million) and business services (€5.4 million). The total fiscal impact reached €33 million.

The previous edition attracted 303,000 visitors to the Ocean Live Park over one week, with an average of 35,000 daily visits, the highest figure recorded in the history of the event. More than 170,000 spectators attended the official race start in person. This level of attendance highlights the race’s strong tourism appeal and international reach, positioning Alicante and the Comunidad Valenciana prominently on the global stage, with a clear focus on technology, innovation and environmental awareness.

For the 2027 edition, the Generalitat Valenciana is preparing an extensive programme of educational, sporting and leisure activities at the Muelle de Levante, building on the success of previous editions. The programme will include school visits, marine sustainability workshops, “Try Sailing” experiences, nautical competitions, concerts and a wide range of activities for all ages. This free, public-facing programme will promote values such as sailing, sustainability and inclusion, transforming the venue into a vibrant space for family-friendly entertainment and learning.