Simon Wade
TORREVIEJA is one step closer to launching a ten-point plan to revive tourism in the city.
Strategies are being set for the future of the historic coastal area by a team combining expertise from the University of Alicante and local government.
The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, announced that the plans will encompass ten key areas making up what has been branded as the Tourist Enclave Project.
Experts from each of those areas have conducted their own research and carried out face-to-face and online surveys of residents, visitors and tourists.
Research coordinator, Sandra Navarro, explained that the project is divided into five phases.
‘Design’ was carried out in February with the study of Torrevieja tourism in 2018, which determined the various fields from which experts were required.
‘Diagnosis’ ran from March to July, where each of the experts developed ideas to enhance their specific area.
A survey of just what the city has to offer was also carried out.
As the project continues, the ‘Proposal’ stage has now been reached with “Consultation” and “Implementation” to run until this November.
The ten key areas of focus are:
Environment – The local Natural Park at La Mata and the 20km of varied coastline will be further protected, making all areas more attractive to visitors.
Employment and Training – Policies for training, employment and entrepreneurship will be more aligned to provide a competitive advantage for the city.
Ports – Torrevieja’s dependence on salt exports has fallen over the years, but the industry is seen as central to tourism in the port areas.
Urban Planning – Indiscriminate building will be monitored and more consideration will be put into planning applications.
Commerce and Hospitality – The project will respond to the demands of the hotel and hospitality sector.
Accessibility and Traffic – Keeping the city moving for both tourists and residents is recognised as a key aspect to rejuvenation.
Demography and Society – Non-Spaniards account for nearly 40 per cent of Torrevieja’s population and the aim will be improve co-existence as well improving the understanding of different cultures and their customs.
Accommodation – Holiday apartments are particularly popular in Torrevieja (compared with other holiday destinations in the region), so the aim will be to analyse their impact on local tourism and to reduce any negative effects in the area.
Digital Transformation – Innovation and technology are both seen as key planks for improving tourism in Torrevieja.
Tourist Image – The city has an image of offering self-catering tourist accommodation. A strong push will be made to promote what else that Torrevieja has for visiotrs.
More details of the Tourist Enclave Project can be found by clicking here
