“The best climate in the world” underpins the new up-market tourism strategy for 2012-2016

[Nova]

There are more young people and even some children in this one!  Did anyone spot Las Galletas harbour at 0:50? 

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Yes, I did!

[Janet]

I've had a few comments about my remark "And not a "full English" or a cheap pint in sight" along the lines of such things being very enjoyable. And I have to admit to liking bacon and eggs now and again myself! But given that Tenerife is aiming to go upmarket, aren't the authorities right in trying to get rid of, or at least minimising the sight of, the types of establishments where certain holidaymakers go to eat a large fry-up accompanied by a pint for breakfast?

Can, or indeed should, Tenerife accommodate these holidaymakers who, I think it's fair to say, wouldn't ever stay in a 5* hotel ... or want to?

[Michael]

I'm wondering where it leaves me? I feel like a bit of a cross-over.

I loved the video. Apart from the 5 star hotels it felt like 'my Tenerife' but I do so enjoy a nosebag at Scotch Corner. 

[Nova]

Honestly, I think the government is right that Tenerife had dropped too far to the lower end of the market.  You only have to walk along the sea front at Puerto Colon and see all the empty cafes plugging their €1.95 English breakfasts to know that that is not the ideal image for Tenerife to portray.  Some investment in the luxury end of the market may well be the way to go, but I think it's important to find the right balance.

When I worked in the estate agents' Prestige office, we specialised in properties over 250k (this was 2003).  We could make as much commission on one sale as the offices in more "working class" areas made in ten, but while they were selling several properties a week, we were thrilled with just one, and we had to work damned hard for it.  We were always on the look out for "bread and butter" properties that were priced below 150k and would sell quickly, just to keep the easy, if little money coming in and our brand prominent.

Likewise, I think Tenerife would do well to remember where its bread and butter comes from 

[Delderek]

Are they also conveniently dismissing climate change, and the freezing cold winter,last year, anyone being tempted for a beach holiday would have been very upset. Egypt is very much warmer in the winter (during the day), and the Caribbean has a very stable winter climate. But we all know that adverts, are not all they seem.

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Agree with Nova, a bit of balance is required.  Somewhere between multimillionaires and benefits scrounging chavs. 

Last winter was not as bad as the previous one and as we all know you can't predict it.  Wouldn't care to go to Italy where that is expected and you get six years in the slammer if you are incorrect. 

[Janet]

This is what the authorities are aiming for! Niche markets, and those specifically that deplore the image of:

We stayed in a poky high-rise and struggled to come across anyone who wasn't (a) English, (b) hideously drunk or (c) the colour of a lobster.

Indy

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Nice-ish article. Be nicer if all references like the one you cited were dropped. Maybe with time.

[Janet]

 The upmarket push continues, with Puerto de la Cruz passing new municipal regulations that will outlaw plastic terrace furniture in restaurants, hotels and bars, and require the leisure sector across the board to provide furniture made from  aluminium, wrought iron, or wood. There is to be a colour branding exercise in the town too, with toldos and umbrellas being required to match - either natural colour or burgundy.

Councillors for Urbanismo y Desarrollo Económico, Sebastián Ledesma (PP) and Lope Afonso (PP), yesterday presented the details of the new bylaw which, they said, would require all establishments with a terrace to seek a new municipal authorization, in the granting of which the technicians will also determine the number of square metres authorized for each terrace. The rules officially came into force last November, but the Ayuntamiento has until now given a period of grace for adaptation.  JA


edit: and within minutes of posting that, I've come across THIS ... niche holidays are the way the government wants to go, and the policy seems to be working!