Crying out loud to save tourism
Tourism sector demands 'respect' and calls for measures to save the industry this season
LAST Sunday morning saw approximately 1,000 people turn out in Benidorm for the peaceful march demanding “Respect for all in the tourism sector”.
Jointly organised by three local business associations – Aico, Abreca and Ociobal - they were demonstrating against the health authority’s decision to severely restrict nightlife– the lifeline of the local economy - and demand help to relaunch the tourism sector.
Business owners, staff, entertainers and even residents all headed along the Levante promenade together, to spontaneous applause from sunbathers on the beach showing their support.
Everyone attended wearing masks and maintained social distancing throughout, which was overseen from a distance by the National Police.
The protest started beside the Hotel Cimbel on Avenida Europa, and numerous Spanish television channels were there to interview the organisers.
On arrival at the town hall square, a manifesto was read out by representatives of the participating associations, and a closing address was made by José Luis Yzuel, president of the Spanish hospitality business federation.
The main demand was for more respect for an industry that contributes millions of euros to the local economy.
A number of measures were called for, including the extension of ERTEs to March 2021 for workers in the tourism sector, reduction of IVA (VAT) for hotels and restaurants, and grants towards rental costs for commercial premises.
It was also pointed out that millions of people had visited Benidorm yet contagion rates remained low, indicating that the establishments which were open had been strictly adhering to the stringent health criteria.
Many of Benidorm’s British entertainers turned out, who are all affected and out of work due to the closure of venues.
Singer Shaun Elliott told Costa Blanca News: “I’m here to support the bars, businesses and hotels because there has been no entertainment and a lot of people have had no work since March. I hope people sit up and look at what we are trying to do.”
Lucy Young, manager at Winners Bar said: “New restrictions were enforced forcing bars to close and others to close early despite implementing extremely safe and strict hygienic measures – it is just not fair. Justice for Benidorm.”
Many were angry that some establishments, such as Andy’s, Planet Benidorm and White Star, have been forced to close whilst others are allowed to remain open due to having different kinds of licence.
The regional director general for tourism, Herick Campos, has supported Ociobal’s call for bars with pub licences to be allowed to open under the same conditions as other bars and restaurants.
Court quashes appeal
An appeal to provisionally suspend the order that all nightclubs must close and limit the hours of hostelry establishments was turned down by the Regional Supreme Court (TSJCV) on Friday.
It had been lodged by the Alicante association of restaurant and leisure businesses (Alroa). They argued it was especially urgent because it required a sector of transcendental importance to the city’s economy sector to shut down completely, and the restrictions would cause serious losses for restaurants and cafés.
The association noted that the resolution offered no financial or other assistance as compensation. Alroa also insisted the agreements of the interterritorial national health system council are not binding, and said there had been no study to justify targeting leisure and restaurant businesses.
However the court ruled that the general interest prevailed and the measures were proportional given the reproduction number and growth in Covid-19 cases in the region’s three provinces.
It said the order had justified that the measures were necessary due to the unfavourable evolution of the epidemiological situation and the need for all health authorities to align their joint efforts.
There was no leave to appeal the TSJCV ruling.