The Cabildo considering charging for services in Teide
The Cabildo is considering whether to charge for using the trails and other basic services such as exhibitions and guided tours at Teide. It’s an idea that is being look at “to improve the quality of the activities that are provided.” said the Minister of Environment, on the 60th anniversary of the declaration of this area as a National Park. It is clear that this measure would “not only help generate revenue but also create green jobs on the island.” Durban explained that charging for entering the natural environment is not yet possible because the current law does not allow it, so it would have to modify the rules, but, it is permissible to pay for activities like hiking. Full Story La Opinion
On the same theme, Willie on La Gomera Blog posted the following.
Entry fee for national park visitors proposed
The commission of national parks which is part of the federation of municipalities of the Canary Islands (FECAM) has proposed the introduction of cover charges for tourists visiting national parks here. The unanimously approved motion was adopted at a meeting held last week, and will have to be tabled at the executive committee of FECAM.
The national park of Timanfaya on Lanzarote is already collecting fees from visitors and this measure could now be introduced at all national parks in the Canary Islands. The reason’s given were that most similar parks around the world were charging visitors without any problem, and that the measure was essential to guarantee the maintenance, preservation and further development of these unique places. The autonomous region of the Canaries couldn’t afford the luxury of providing free access anymore. Local residents would be exempt from the charges, however, according to the proposal. The recent cutbacks in public spending might have something to do with it, I guess.
Historic manor preserved at last
An historic property which had no maintenance for 14 years is now being restored to all its former glory. Los Realejos council is completing restoration of the “Casona de Castro” which could become the headquarters for environmental campaigns and projects. The works have included reform and exterior painting, carpentry work, lighting and security measures. Councillor for works, Adolfo González and environment councillor, Benito Dévora recently visited the site to see progress.
The 16th century manor house is situated in the nature reserve of Rambla de Castro and has an interior courtyard and a small outdoor auditorium. The council runs a project called “Actúa Verde” or “Act Green” and feels this could be the ideal place to base the activities such as lectures, exhibitions, tours, guided routes and other initiatives. Source Tenerife News
Hotel lighthouses one step closer
The Canary Port Authority has confirmed it is giving consideration to allowing the conversion of redundant lighthouses into hotels. Many have become defunct over the years because of the introduction of electronic signalling and of the 387 lighthouses in Spain, less than 50 remain in operation. There is only one working installation in the Canaries, that of San Cristóbal on La Gomera. The Port Authority may follow the lead of other European cities and preserve rundown and derelict light-houses through hotel schemes. This would apparently cost about ten million euros a year but substantially less if private investment was attracted. There are 27 lighthouses in the Canaries, 13 of which are in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Many have spectacular views and would be ideal accommodation for tourists, walkers etc. One problem to overcome could be road access and conservation of the environment around them. Source Tenerife News
Cathedral opening ends in fight
Having read about this in both English News in the Sun and Spanish La Opinion newspapers I did wonder why there was such opposition to Wert attending the opening of the cathedral. Thanks therefore go to Janet Anscombe for explaining ‘Wert’s Law’
For those who don’t know about the “Wert law”, it’s an education reform by the governing conservative (PP) party that among other things would put religion back into the curriculum and increase state funding for schools that segregate the sexes. José Ignacio Wert is the minister of education (hence “Wert law”), but his ministerial portfolio is “education, culture and sport”, and as culture minister he was in Tenerife yesterday for the reopening of the newly renovated cathedral in La Laguna
Developers seek backing for Mimiland Park
The Canary Government and Tenerife Cabildo have been studying proposals for the 600 million “Mimiland Park” project envisaged for Guimar. The Mayoress said she hoped the project, in an old barranco, would receive the backing of the Canary Government’s committee on investments and strategic projects as this was essential for progress. It is said the park will bring 2,000 jobs and significant benefits not just for the town but the Guimar valley and island as well.
Mimiland would become the largest attraction park in the Canary Islands but has hurdles to overcome, including planning permission as the site is rural land off the TF-1. The developers believe change of use will not be a problem because of the benefits the project would bring and say a precedent has been set elsewhere on Tenerife. Many local businesses have already made approaches for contracts and becoming shareholders and there is said to be backing from a multinational foreign investment fund, the name of which is not being revealed. The developers say they are confident the project is viable. They describe it as similar to but smaller than Disneyland. Proposals include a viewing tower of 80 metres, which aspires to be the highest in Europe, and a 64 metre high wheel. There would be 16 more attractions, a shopping arcade and auditorium for events and performances, as well as a hotel resort. Source Tenerife News
Step Through the Looking Glass and read the Red Queen Musings
Blog Ping
Hostgator promo codes
Filed under: News and Views Tagged: South Tenerife, Tenerife Daily News