Almería is safest destination in Andalusia, say tourists

The results of the 2014 tourism satisfaction survey (Encuesta de Coyuntura Turística de Andalucía) are out, and Almería is said by tourists to be the safest destination in Andalusia – it gets a whopping 8.8 out of 10 on the safety index. Tourists also like the access to medical services, rating the province a great 9.1 out of 10. (No, I don’t know exactly how these numbers are calculated). Satisfaction with hospitality is high at Continue reading Almería is safest destination in Andalusia, say tourists

50,000 tourists paid to fly into Almeria for their jollies

The Diputacion (city council) has announced a grand scheme to fly 50,000 tourists via 20 extra flights a week into Almeria airport this summer. Reading between the lines, the Diputacion has offered travel agencies across 13 different countries (including the nordic countries, Serbia, Portugal, Iceland, Russia, Poland, etc etc) discounts and free landing fees to bring the tourists here rather than elsewhere. By having the local government pay for cheaper flights, the tour ops can Continue reading 50,000 tourists paid to fly into Almeria for their jollies

Almería drops to seventh most visted province in Andalucia (so that’s last-but-one) as Junta sends tourists elsewhere

Almería in 2011 dropped to the seventh most visited province in Andalucia (remember – there are only 8 provinces!), down from the fourth just a few years ago. Only Huelva – the strawberry and stainless steel province- has fewer tourists then we do. Most tourists arrive at Huelva, see that thanks to its petro-chemical-stainless steel industry it’s one of the most polluted areas in Europe (thanks, EU commission for pointing this out!) and flee onwards Continue reading Almería drops to seventh most visted province in Andalucia (so that’s last-but-one) as Junta sends tourists elsewhere

Catalonia to tax tourists 3€ a night

In an effort to raise 100 million euros extra a year, Catalonia has announced a new tax of up to 3€ a night, per person, on all tourists. All hotels, apartments, b&bs and cruise ships are subject to the tax, which is per head, per night and ranges from 1 to 3€ depending on how many stars your chosen establishment has. It’s worth pointing out that if you do stay in Catalonia, you’re also obliged Continue reading Catalonia to tax tourists 3€ a night