Archive for the ‘Leisure Time’ Category

German tourism requires a “green” Andalusia

Monday, February 15th, 2010

The Council for Tourism takes full account of the German tour operators, airlines and market intermediaries during the Tourism Forum.
As the Slogan says “Andalucía te quiere” (Andalusia loves you). And if you are one of the 1.1 million German tourists who visit the region each year, it loves you even more.
Council for Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía renewed the compromise with one of the strongest sectors in tourism which provides a regular expenditure higher than the average, with a longer stay and one of the best retention rates.
The companies agreed that “the German tourism demand is consistent with what offers Andalusia” and highlighted two perceptions: Tourists want surroundings which are based on the respect for the natural environment and also demand more suited prices than Andalusia has been offering during the last years.

Donana

Donana

Many northern countries are already entering fully into the “green economy”, for instance: It makes sense that a German might be interested in how much CO2 emissions is generating his stay in a certain destination. The German tourist requires an environmentally friendly offer and is not willing to pay for it with increased taxes.
Although Germany will certify in 2010 a financial improvement, the review of budgets for holidays is downward.
Tourists are willing to pay less for their holidays, and prefer to secure their cost by all-inclusive packages.
In this context and with the extraordinary price competition in the Mediterranean, Andalusia is an expensive destination, as advocated by the representatives of the three major tour operators (TUI, Thomas Cook and Rewe).
Improvement options are also including new segments such as Golf and culture, though without losing sight of the fact that the tourists come mainly for the sun and the beaches.

Innovative commercial and leisure offers in the new terminal T3 in Malaga

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

6.000 square metres of bars, cafes and restaurants and 2.800 square metres of shops: Malaga Airport will become, after its enlargement, a shopping center of first order, with an irresistible attraction for any brand that boasts: over ten million visitors a year can become twenty. The lucky ones have already been selected.
Some of the brands that will land at the Airport Pablo Ruiz Picasso in Malaga are
unprecedented in Spain, as Caviar House & Prunier, a restaurant focused on more sybaritic tastes, or Whopper Bar, an innovative concept of burger that Burger King recently launched and of which there are only two stores in the world today: one in Florida and one in Munich. The American coffee chain Starbucks has also chosen the airport grounds to make her debut in the province.
In the commercial arena highlights the incorporation of a National Geographic store, which will be the first one in the world of this brand located at an airport. Moreover, the new terminal in Malaga will feature Ferrari after repeating its success in Barcelona. Adidas, Adolfo Dominguez, Cottet and Swarovski, among other firms, will be their neighbors.
Special mention deserves the Moraga Airport, a restaurant of local top chef Dani Garcia, awarded with a Michelin star.
5.880 square metres of the new terminal will be dedicated to bars and restaurants such as Soho Coffee, Caviar House, Caffee Ritazza, Pizza Hut, Burger King, O’Leary’s, Starbucks, La Moraga Airport, Whopper Bar, Vips, Upper Crust, Gambrinus, Dehesa Santa María, Café y Té, La Lechera, Guinness, Dehesa Santa María and Gambrinus.

Paradises along the Costa del Sol

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Sun and beaches are the great offers of Málaga, with 161 km of coastline, where you can find irresistible beaches; from the most bustling ones to the quietest ones. Here we offer you the ten most attractive maritime spots that you should visit during your vacations.
The Costa the Sol is a mayor destination every summer due to its warm climate, tranquil and transparent waters and its richness in landscapes, where we can find numerous beaches between the mountains and the sea.
In the occidental part, with 1.700 meters length we find the Playa de Sabinillas in Manilva with a good number of services and leisure activities. This one is in contrast with the Playa de Artola in Cabo Pino (Marbella) surrounded by vegetation and situated in a protected area denominated Dunas de Artola. It’s golden Sand and moderate waves characterize this nudist beach. Estepona as has well a couple of inspiring beaches, especially the Bahia Dorada, a 700 meters long beach with, chiringuitos, bars and a camping.
A total of 4.400 meters of dark sand and cobbles, tranquil waters and close by vegetation we find at the Playa de Calahonda in Mijas. From early morning until night we find people going for walks along its shore, as it communicates without interruptions with Cala de Mijas.
Another emblematic coastal landscape of Málaga is the Peñón del Cuervo. The golden sand of La Araña extends for 400 meters alongside a semi urban nucleus.
In the more occidental part of Málaga are outstanding the cliffs of Maro. Its more isolated situation gives this place a special charm due to its tranquil ambience. At this beach we have to access walking. Further we find the Playa de Almayate with nearly 3 km of coastline in a natural environment. This is a less frequented beach, very adequate for relaxing and enjoying some spectacular sunsets away from the bustle and contamination of the city.
Nerja is another coastal destination to where we can escape. Here we find a more familiar ambience in a picturesque environment with a great offer of services like sunshades, telephone, nautical hire, parking spaces, chiringuitos, bars and close by Restaurants. Nerja offers as well cultural alternatives as for instance visits to the emblematic caves.

Closeby the village of Chaquete we find the Playa de Algarrobo, with a high occupancy and close to an urbanized area with tall buildings; ideal for practicing nautical sports due to its moderate waves and its length of nearly one kilometre.
Close by as well we find the Playa de Wilches in Torrox. This one is another of the calm beaches where we can enjoy a spot with little occupancy.

The magic of the Arabian market Ben-Al-Mádena

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

This cultural event will be celebrated from the 9th to the 13th of September in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol. Besides the possibility of purchasing articles there will be as well performances.
The streets of Benalmádena will turn in a meeting point for those who are fond of the Arabian culture, as this locality will welcome for the second consecutive year the zoco Ben-Al-Mádena. This way the calle Real, the Plaza de España and the Jardines del Muro will transform from 19.00 until 01.00 h into an authentic bazaar where visitors and tourists will be able to get familiar with this culture.
The event, which pretends to be the great Fiesta of the summer, counts with numerous artisan products, articles and performances as for instance belly dancing and other traditional presentations. On the other side there will be different spaces dedicated to gastronomy with tea and sweets. As well there will be several activities for children with handicraft workshops where they will be shown to elaborate figures with clay and baskets.
The town hall has as well indicated a close by car park in order to facilitate the access for visitors.
So, there is no excuse for not visiting the emblematic spots of Benalmádena and get carried by away by the magic Arabian world.

Mercedes and Toyota chose Marbella as setting for their exhibitions

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Toyota is holding an exposition of the company’s new hybrid and ecological cars. The Exposition is situated in the Avenida del Mar in Marbella, Costa del Sol and the opening hours are from 11.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 22.00 h.
Luxury cars in Marbella

This is the second exposition of vehicles of international brands in the same week in the city which is reinforcing the name of Marbella in the automobilistic industry.

The second presentation has been from Mercedes Benz and the models “E-Class” (Coupé and Limousine) can be seen in the Avenida de las Naciones Unidas in Puerto Banús. The big companies keep on trusting in the brand Marbella as a commercially worthy association.