Introduction
The Costa del Sol attracts Dutch cyclists, British golfers, Swedish digital nomads and German sun‑seekers – all looking for places to eat, drink and sleep. Yet many hospitality businesses present their websites only in Spanish or English. In 2025, that’s a missed opportunity. Studies show that over 75% of the world speaks a language other than English, 72% of consumers spend most of their time on websites in their own language and 56% prefer information in their language over price. If you want to stand out from the competition, it’s time to speak your guests’ language.
Speak your guests’ language to build trust
Travellers expect to read about your rooms, menu and policies in their mother tongue. Impact Media notes that hospitality businesses need multi‑language websites because travellers prefer and often expect to access information in their native language. Presenting information in Dutch, English and Spanish removes friction and makes guests feel welcome. It also:
- Improves user experience: Guests are more likely to book when they understand your offers and terms.
- Builds trust and credibility: Providing information in a guest’s language signals respect and professionalism.
- Increases direct bookings: A clear, accessible website reduces reliance on third‑party platforms and encourages guests to book direct.
Boost your SEO and reach new guests
Multilingual websites don’t just improve user experience – they help you get found. MotionPoint’s research shows that localized content can boost conversion rates and improve SEO. Translating your site into Dutch or German opens up new keyword opportunities and increases your visibility in search results. Search engines prioritise relevant localised content, so having dedicated pages in each language improves your chances of ranking for searches like “bed & breakfast Nerja Nederlands” or “chiringuito Málaga Deutsch”.
How to create a multilingual website
Building a multilingual site doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these best practices:
- Choose the right languages: Start with languages spoken by your current and target customers. For the Costa del Sol, Spanish, English and Dutch are a great starting point.
- Select a translation approach: Manual translation provides cultural nuance and accuracy, while machine translation is quick but may lack context. A hybrid approach – machine translation edited by a native speaker – balances efficiency and quality.
- Use multilingual plugins: Platforms like WordPress make translation easier. Plugins such as WPML or Weglot allow you to manage multiple languages and automatically create language switchers.
- Optimise for international SEO: Use hreflang tags, translate meta titles and descriptions, and research keywords in each language. Don’t forget to translate alt text for images and adapt URLs.
- Adapt cultural elements: Translation is more than words – consider imagery, colours and references. Avoid idioms that don’t translate and ensure payment options and date formats reflect local preferences.
Start small and measure impact
You don’t need to translate your site into ten languages overnight. Start with one or two and track the results. Test your site in each language to make sure navigation, booking forms and payment gateways work smoothly. Monitor how many visitors view each language and how many conversions come from those pages. As you gain traction in new markets, add more languages and content.
Conclusion
On a coast where international travellers outnumber locals during high season, a multilingual website is no longer a luxury – it’s a competitive advantage. By speaking your guests’ languages, you build trust, improve the booking experience and reach new audiences.
Curious which languages and tools would work best for your business?
Book a free discovery call – let’s design a website strategy that welcomes the world to your door.