sustainable tourism initiative
A Junta plan involves spending some 43 million euros to boost tourism
14.02.09 - 13:05 -
VILLAGES. The plan aims to boost tourism in the Axarquía district. / SUR
Iniciativa de Turismo Sostenible” (Sustainable Tourism Initiative) is the name of the scheme that promises to make the industry take off in the Axarquía. After all, say the experts, the area already has all the vital ingredients: sun, beaches and beautiful scenery.
The regional councillor for Tourism, Luciano Alonso, explained on Monday that priority would be given to projects involving the construction of four or five star hotels as well as improvements to the leisure facilities available.
Alonso was speaking at a meeting with a group of business owners as well as the 31 mayors from the Axarquía whose municipalities will all benefit from the 43.6 million plan towards which the Junta is paying 24 million.
With this project no one wants to hang around. “We want to run, not walk”, said Alonso to explain the tight deadlines laid down. The business owners and local authorities have until 28th February to submit their first projects to form part of the plan, and the aim is for an agreement to be signed in March. “Some ventures are already well under way and we don’t want any delays”, added Alonso.
Natural surroundings
The regional councillor showed that he was convinced of the area’s potential. “If natural surroundings are vital for tourists of the 21st century, the Axarquía will be a privileged destination”.
Among the proposals made on Monday was a need for more golf courses, for more berths in the marinas in Vélez, Nerja and Torrox and to promote more conference tourism. Luciano Alonso also pointed out that the local cuisine was an attraction that needed promoting as well as the natural resources and historical heritage.
The plan, to be coordinated by the Junta’s provincial tourism delegate Antonio Souvirón, also includes improvements to signposting, including the creation of cultural walks through old town centres.
The Junta will fund 70 per cent of the cost of the Town Hall projects and 60 per cent of the cost of private ventures approved.
