The Regional Hemodonation Centre in the Region of Murcia has successfully wrapped up its summer campaign, recording a total of 8,776 donor visits across July and August. This initiative proved crucial for maintaining essential medical services during a period when healthcare demands remain consistently high, yet blood supplies typically face severe seasonal strain due to holiday travel and routine disruptions.

Summer campaign secures thousands of blood donations in the Region of Murcia

Among the thousands who stepped forward, 779 people donated blood for the very first time, bringing vital new support to the local healthcare framework. Additionally, 282 individuals joined the bone marrow donor registry during the two-month effort. To facilitate these contributions and bring collection facilities directly to citizens, mobile units traveled over 10,000 kilometres and set up more than 140 donation points throughout the region, targeting both coastal tourist areas and inland towns.

Vital support for regional surgical and emergency care, amid spiking demand

Health officials expressed deep gratitude for the public’s generosity, highlighting that these donations ensured hospitals across the region could continue routine operations without delay. In particular, complex surgical procedures and specialized treatments reliant on blood derivatives, including oncology therapies and emergency trauma care, were maintained without interruption. So far this year, the centre has surpassed 30,000 blood donations, successfully guaranteeing a stable, steady supply of vital blood components to all participating regional hospitals.

Who can donate and why: Join the thousands of blood donors across the region

Building on this seasonal success, health authorities continue to encourage residents to participate in upcoming drives. Joining the bone marrow registry is open to individuals aged 18 to 40 and requires only a simple blood sample during a regular donation. Whole blood donation is open to healthy individuals between 18 and 65 years old who weigh at least 50 kilogrammes, subject to a brief confidential medical evaluation prior to donating. Regular contributions remain essential to ensure that life-saving reserves are fully stocked year-round.

The Region of Murcia has officially registered its best summer on record following an extraordinary performance in August: according to data from the Tourism Institute of the Region of Murcia, both hotel and non-hotel occupancy reached unprecedented historic highs, establishing 2026 as a landmark year for the region’s tourism.

High occupancy across coastal hotspots

The coastline proved to be the primary hotspot for tourists this year. Accommodations along the Costa Calida frequently hit an average occupancy rate of 90 per cent throughout August.

According to the report, August served as the ultimate catalyst for this historic milestone. Coastal hot spots along the Costa Calida, including popular destinations like Mazarron, La Manga, and Aguilas, experienced near-capacity occupancy throughout the month. Beyond traditional sun-and-beach tourism, inland destinations and historic urban centres such as Murcia City, Cartagena, and Lorca also recorded impressive growth.

Key drivers behind the record demand for the Region of Murcia

The surge was largely a result of targeted promotional campaigns, enhanced regional infrastructure, and high-quality cultural and outdoor offerings. Expanded flight connections and a rising international profile played a vital role in attracting first-time global travellers alongside a robust domestic market. Visitors were drawn not only to the region’s picturesque beaches, but also to its world-class gastronomy, vibrant festival calendar, and rich historical heritage.

Economic growth and job creation surge

The economic impact of this record-breaking August has delivered a substantial boost to hotel operators, local restaurants, transport providers, and retail businesses. Job creation in the Region of Murcia has also reached a historic high.

This stellar summer performance showcases Murcia’s rising reputation as a premier travel destination in southern Spain. With time, these results will read not as a temporary peak, but as a long-term habit for Murcia, extending the travel season year-round and continuing to position the Region of Murcia as a competitive player on the national and international tourism stage.

This September, the Costa Calida hotspot city of Cartagena will celebrate the incredible 10th edition of the Camino de la Cruz-Punta Este Trophy Regatta, a maritime race that will bring together more than 400 sailors across fifty boats, and will have a strong charitable heart. The regatta, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, has already established itself as one of the most outstanding events in Mediterranean sailing, and as one of the benchmark events of the Camino de la Cruz Foundation.

The 10th anniversary: A thrilling event for Mediterranean sailing

The Camino de la Cruz-Punta Este Trophy Regatta, throughout its ten-year history, has now brought together close to a thousand boats, and has established itself as one of the leading nautical events in southeastern Spain. The race, expected to attract between 400 and 500 sailors, will have two starts, one from Cartagena in Murcia and one from Torrevieja in Alicante, both converging on the same routes. 

Connecting Murcia and Alicante through sport

The event is not only a striking, exciting sporting event for residents and visitors interested in maritime sport, but is an important connection between the regions of Murcia and Alicante, consolidating a healthy tourism relationship between the two areas in Spain and driving crowds from either region to visit the other, year after year.

That evening, after the race, an awards ceremony will be held, beginning at 9:00pm at Trips Summer Club.

Raising vital funds for cancer research in Spain

One of the most important aspects of the event is its solidarity. As is tradition, the event will donate its proceeds to a charity in the area. This year, the event will donate its proceeds to the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Caravaca de la Cruz, standing in support of friends and neighbours in the Region of Murcia who are struggling with cancer diagnoses.

The Spanish Association Against Cancer has stated that their main goal is to reach a more than 70 per cent cancer survival rate by the year 2030, through research, resources, and early diagnoses for patients in Spain.