Benalmádena boat trip companies, ready for war

Businesses running tourist boat trips from Benalmádena marina are protesting against the abusive conditions the council wants to impose for operating their services. Following permission from the Andalusian port authority, APPA, the council has put the contracts for excursions out to tender.

The 15 businesses involved have called for the process to be halted, complaining at the councils demands for a minimum fee of 50 cents per passenger plus 50 percent more in berthing fees, an amount that would drastically reduce their profit margins.

Other towns, such as Marbella or Estepona, charge 600 euros a year. In Malaga, its 14 cents per passenger. Benalmádena is demanding 50 cents per person, said Gonzalo Medina, owner of CostaSol Cruceros.

The company has operated at Benalmádena marina for 37 years and employs more than 20 workers. Medina has warned that the new legislation endangers the business.

The licences awarded to firms up to now have been free of this type of fee.