During the months of July and August 2010 a survey was created  to analyse  the demand of tourists who visited the villages of Loredo and Somo, (Cantabria, Spain). 

The survey was  part of a project to determine the precise profile of  tourists who visit Loredo- Somo.  The resulting figures demonstrated  both the importance of tourism  and the viability of the surf project in this area. The University of Cantabria , in the first Spanish survey targeting surfers, evaluated the destiny of 600 tourists entering Ribamontán al Mar. 

The results proved that even though the specific target market of surfers is still not comparable to the general market, it is a market which is firmly growing throughout  Northern Spain. Surfing is a rapid growing spot, generating an ever increasing number of bookings in hotels, camp sites, hostels,etc. Surfing has also generated a multitude of surf related commercial activities such as, surf schools, surf shops, board repair shops, surf brand suppliers and surf themed bars and restaurants.

All these business incentives have become of the up-most importance to the economic development of  Ribamontán al Mar.

Survey Objectives:

• To obtain a demographic profile both of tourists in general and more specifically of surfer tourists.
• To acquire an understanding of what motivates the tourist to travel to  Ribamontán and the way they have organised their journey.
• To ascertain visitors ,preferred modes of transport , accommodation choices and     level of income.
• To generate an appropriate action plan in-order to improve and expand customer services.

Results and conclusions of Survey:

• 24% of all tourists to visit  Ribamontán al Mar came to surf.
• 87% of tourism is from Spain of which 40% is  from Madrid and 25% is  from Castile and Leon.  
• 13% of tourists are from abroad, of which most are from, Germany, Britain, France and Italy.
• 30% of those tourists who come to surf make use of the existing surf schools.
• Type of Accommodation used, 25% Camping, 20% Hotels, 10% Bed and Breakfasts, 10% self catering,  10%  resided with friends or family. 25% didn't stay in Ribamontán al Mar.

Most positive feedback was about the beaches and surrounding landscapes. The high level of beach safety, beach cleanliness and great waves.

The tourists all marvel at the ample amount of surf spots available for all levels of surfers.– Worst feedback was the traffic and the lack of parking during the high season.

• Level of satisfaction: 92% of surveyed tourists said they would love to come back.
• Of those surveyed, 87%  Organize their trips whilst 13% come through specialised tour operators
• Most requested by all surfers is changing and storage facilities, (future surf centre).