Posted on Dec 12, 2007

The Councillor for Tourism and Consumers, José Pablo Ruiz Abellán, attended a meeting last week to discuss the investment and improvement projects proposed for the Mar Menor. Along with the members of the Tourism Syndicate, including the new Mayors from the coastal municipalities, José Garcia (San Pedro del Pintar), Encarna Gil (Los Alcázares) and Josefa García (San Javier), the Councillor called for updates on the existing projects in the area. This includes the restoration of the Palacio del Barón de Benifayó in preparation for the installation of an Archaeological Museum, and the construction of a second phase of the Centre for Tourism Initiatives. In the Cartagena area, the projects discussed were the work around the Plaza Pública de Playa Honda, and public space and seating in the neighbourhood of Los Nietos. In Los Alcázares, work is being carried out on the construction of a roundabout with a sculptured arch at the entrance to the municipality, and work on the cycleway is being completed. The San Javier projects include improvements to the amenities at the beaches of Playa del Castillico to gain the coveted "Q" for quality award status, and a beach cleaning machine has also been bought to improve cleanliness. The meeting also looked at the feasibility studies for joint projects between the areas, such as the extension of existing cycleways to join all areas, and the viability of sea-based transport to link the beaches in the area. From 2005 to 2007, the investment in the area was 1.8 million euros, and by 2009 the projects will have reached an investment level of around 5.5 million euros.