Port Aventura theme park opens for 2022 season with aim of attracting 5.3 million visitors

The Port Aventura theme park, located between Tarragona and Salou in southern Catalonia, opened on Friday for the 2022 season, complete with the world's biggest Easter egg.

The park hopes to attract a record number of visitors this year, 5.3 million, a feat it is confident it will be able to achieve as more and more Covid restrictions are eased across the continent.

International thrill-seekers

European tourists, particularly those from France and the United Kingdom, are expected to return in greater numbers than before.

"This year we are focusing on the French market, which is set to grow between 25% and 30% over Easter and 15% to 20% over the summer, as well as the UK market, which is growing between 35% and 40%," Port Aventura director David García told the Catalan News Agency. "This will make up for the drop in the Russian and Ukrainian market."

García also said that he expected 408,000 overnight stays to be booked at the Port Aventura resort, which has already started to welcome its first visitors.

Erin and Nicole, from Scotland, are among the early birds who checked in on Friday. "It's our first day on holiday," Erin said excitedly. "Lots of adventures, getting out in the sun…"

World's biggest Easter egg

Not only is Port Aventura aiming high this year with its target number of guests, but with the large Easter egg it now has on display, the world's biggest.  

"We've never been here for Easter before," Elaine, from Dublin, said. "We've been here in April but it's never been Easter before, so the largest Easter egg in the world, we're really excited to see that!"

The 2022 season will be the park's first ever with an 'Easter Celebration'. From April 8 to May 8, it will host 10 Easter-themed kid-friendly activities, including an Easter egg hunt, street shows, or the opportunity to meet Sesame Street characters.