Town mourns Vicent Climent, the man who revived Benidorm Palace

Vicent Climent Llorca, a visionary businessman and indispensable character in the city’s recent history, has passed away, leaving Benidorm in a state of mourning. His name is synonymous with spectacle, grandeur, and, despite the scepticism of some, the modernisation of tourism in the capital of the Costa Blanca. He is the owner of the iconic Benidorm Palace.

The team he led for decades expressed their profound mourning on Benidorm Palace’s social media channels, where the news was announced. The message stated, “His dedication, humanity, and vision have left a legacy that will endure indefinitely.” The outpouring of affection has persisted since then, encompassing residents, tourism industry professionals, local authorities, and former collaborators.

The show’s pioneer

Vicent Climent was not your typical merchant. He was born in Finestrat, but he was profoundly connected to Benidorm. From a young age, he recognised the city’s potential as an international tourism epicentre. He advocated for the use of high-quality entertainment as a distinguishing factor and transformed the Benidorm Palace into a landmark venue not only in Spain but also throughout the Mediterranean.

Many artists, including Louis Armstrong, Gloria Gaynor, Lola Flores, Raphael, and Rocío Jurado, performed on its stage under his leadership. The Palace became an essential destination for artists who aspired to impress the discerning international tourist market.

He modernised the venue’s concept by eschewing the “night club” approach in order to appeal to a family audience.

From Benidorm to the Caribbean

However, Climent’s influence was not restricted to Benidorm Palace. In an ambitious and successful effort to internationalise the Benidorm brand in the Caribbean, he promoted initiatives such as the Benidorm Circus, a concert tent that enlivened the city’s peak season, and the Benidorm Caribe nightclub in Punta Cana through the Palace Group.

These initiatives were in response to a global tourism vision that emphasised the importance of entertainment in the visitor experience. In a sector that is becoming increasingly competitive, their model served as an illustration of reinvention and diversification.

Acknowledgement of an exceptional career

In 2019, the Generalitat Valenciana gave him one of the Valencian Community Tourism Awards to acknowledge his significant contributions to the sector’s growth and the international projection of the destination. A tribute paid to him during his lifetime that recognised his decades of dedication, investment, and innovation.

Vicent Climent devoted his professional career to the improvement of Benidorm, despite the fact that he never abandoned his Finestrat heritage. He consistently demonstrated his dedication to the city by striving to provide exceptional performances and to preserve the Palace’s distinctive character.

In recognition of his career and contributions to the destination, he was awarded the Premi Turisme Comunitat Valenciana in 2019.

History associated with the Benidorm Palace

The Benidorm Palace, which was inaugurated in 1977, rapidly became a standard for the nightlife of Benidorm. The venue was far more than a mere party venue, as it featured a diverse and high-quality programme that included beauty pageants, institutional galas, concerts of all genres, and established artists.

In 1997, on the venue’s twentieth anniversary, Climent and his family acquired it. They made the decision to restore the former grandeur of this type of business during a period in which it appeared to be in decline. The entrepreneur himself stated, “We could have generated a greater profit by selling the land for a hotel.” However, his fervour was unmistakable: to preserve the essence of the programme.

Consistent reinvention

Climent oversaw an unprecedented modernisation in the years that followed. He eliminated the “night club” concept to make it more accessible to a family audience, entirely redesigned the façade to create a metallic vessel akin to the Guggenheim, and introduced dinner shows and major concerts.

The Palace was granted a second chance at existence as a result of these modifications. The venue’s spirit was maintained while the evolving preferences of its audience were considered, as evidenced by the presence of stars such as Alaska, Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel, UB40, David Bisbal, and Ara Malikian on stage in the 2000s and 2010s.

We are forever grateful for your assistance in the inauguration of HERE in the various locations of the Marina Baixa in 2019.

Maintain one’s radiance by adapting

Climent elected to adopt a more contemporary approach to the performance when the model of large-scale concerts began to exhibit signs of wear and tear. This included the inclusion of a well-established artistic team, meticulous audiovisual production, and improved lighting. He used to say, “People are accustomed to watching television; you must be prepared for the challenge.”

The final push was provided by the British reality programme “Escape to the Sun,” which featured his wife as the owner of Benidorm Palace. The venue’s international allure was further solidified by the programme’s appeal to thousands of new British viewers.

A merchant who is dedicated and close

Vicent Climent’s compassion, approachability, and community involvement are emphasised by those who knew him, in addition to his business career. He was consistently supportive of social and cultural projects, collaborated on numerous charitable initiatives, and maintained a kind demeanour towards his employees.

The immense outpouring of affection that the city has exhibited since learning of his death is a direct result of this humanity. Institutions, leisure workers, ordinary citizens, and public representatives have united to celebrate his legacy and express their appreciation for his dedication to Benidorm.