Vicente Climent Llorca, founder and long-time president of the iconic Benidorm Palace, passed away in the early hours of this Thursday, 26 June, leaving behind one of the most solid and cherished legacies in the tourism and cultural landscape of the Valencian Community. He was 80 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Christine, his son David and his daughter Joanna.
The news, which has shaken the city of Benidorm and the tourism sector across the Costa Blanca, was confirmed by the Benidorm Palace team in an official statement. 鈥淲e are deeply saddened by the passing of a key figure in our history,鈥 they wrote. 鈥淗is dedication, humanity and vision have left a mark that will remain forever.鈥 A funeral service in his honour will be held on Friday 27 June at 12 noon at the Tanatorio Marina Baixa, in Villajoyosa.
Climent was much more than a businessman. For nearly half a century, he combined the tenacity of an entrepreneur with the warmth of a true host. Since the doors of Benidorm Palace first opened in 1977, his name became inseparable from a project that transformed the city鈥檚 nightlife and, in time, became a cultural and tourism landmark throughout the Mediterranean.
Its stage has welcomed legends such as Julio Iglesias and Alejandro Sanz, as well as major events like Miss Espa帽a and the Festival de la Canci贸n. But beyond the big names, what truly defined Vicente was his belief in the value of hard work and hospitality. 鈥淭he key to success is work, work and more work,鈥 said his daughter Joanna in a recent interview, recalling one of her father鈥檚 favourite sayings.
The visionary behind Benidorm Palace
During his lifetime, Climent was honoured on numerous occasions for his contributions to Valencian tourism. In 2016, he received the Special Recognition for Professional Career at the AAPET Tourism Awards 鈥淧edro Zaragoza Orts鈥, presented by regional deputy Jaime Lloret and attended by Benidorm鈥檚 mayor, Toni P茅rez. However, his most emotional tribute came in 2023, when he received a lifetime achievement award at the prestigious Premis Turisme Comunitat Valenciana.
That day, at the Palau de la Generalitat, visibly moved, Vicente chose to share the award with his entire team. 鈥淭his award recognises the efforts of everyone at Benidorm Palace. We love what we do, and if we make people happy, we are happy too,鈥 he said. That same evening, alongside his wife Christine, he celebrated the arrival of the 16 millionth guest at the venue. There were fanfares, fireworks, and 鈥 as expected 鈥 a full house.
Today, the curtain falls on the same stage where his vision shone so brightly. But the story Vicente helped write will continue to light up Benidorm鈥檚 nights and live on in the memories of the millions who passed through the doors of Benidorm Palace.
On social media, the announcement has sparked a wave of heartfelt messages and tributes. British businessman Eddie Todd wrote: 鈥淪orry to hear this, he was a real nice man. We had dinner and drinks many times with him. Rest in peace.鈥 Local company David鈥檚 Coachtrips added: 鈥淲e are really sorry to hear the news and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Rest in Peace xx.鈥 The sentiment was echoed by many local fans. 鈥淗ow sad it makes me to read this news. My condolences to the whole family. Rest in peace.鈥 wrote Mar铆a Jos茅 de la Rubia Cruz, a regular supporter of the venue.
Rest in peace, Vicente Climent Llorca. With deepest sympathy, from all of us at the Euro Weekly News team.