National tourism key to saving summer holiday season on Spain’s Costa Almeria

NATIONAL tourism will be key to saving Almeria’s summer holiday season, the provincial government says.
Speaking to representatives from the provincial tourist businesses and hoteliers this week via videoconference, Diputacion de Almeria Tourism deputy Fernando Gimenez stressed, “Up until now we have managed to position the brand at an international level, and we have to manage to maintain that high level of awareness for when there is a reactivation of international tourism.”
But given the situation created by the coronavirus crisis and the restrictions on travel, the deputy said the idea now is to “join forces to promote our destination among Almerians, Andalucians and the Spanish.
“National tourism is going to be decisive in the recovery of activity this season,” Gimenez maintained.
The Diputacion staged the virtual meeting to listen to the tourism sector businesses’ ideas and proposals for the provincial administration’s ‘Programa Promo’ plan aimed at strengthening the image of Almeria as a safe destination and stimulating trade and culture.
One of the issues discussed was the Diputacion’s coordination with the municipalities on standardising protection, safety and support measures for the hospitality and tourism sector in regard to beaches, beach bars, terraces and tables.
Earlier this month the provincial government issued a consultative document to the local authorities on expanding establishments’ terraces. The aim is for councils to set out the necessary measures to enable bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels deal with the de-escalation process with the maximum guarantees.
The Diputacion has recommended increasing terrace space to permit putting out the maximum number of tables permitted, pedestrianising surrounding streets to allow people walking by to practise social distancing and allowing businesses to temporarily put tables out on the parking spaces nearest to their establishments.