Facelift For Lanzarote´s Main Resort

Could Puerto del Carmen become the Puerto Banus of the Canary Islands? Unlikely as this scenario may seem to anyone who has visited Lanzarote´s most popular resort in recent years this transformation could well come to pass. As island authorities press ahead with ambitious plans to reinvent tourism in the resort. A project that will have massive implications for both visitor numbers and the Lanzarote property market in years to come.

Before the advent of package tourism in the 1970´s Puerto del Carmen was just a small fishing village, known to the locals as La Tiñosa. Today the area is the most popular destination on the island – and is packed all year round with holidaymakers enjoying the islands clement climate and excellent beaches.

Traditionally, Puerto del Carmen has also long been the engine of the islands property market too. With thousands overseas buyers attracted to investing in apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote thanks to the resorts buoyant tourist trade.

Over the years however Puerto del Carmen has become a victim of its own success. As thirty years of tourism have had a deleterious effect on the resorts infrastructure and facilities.

This impact is most apparent on the Avenida de las Playas - Puerto del Carmen’s main, 6km long beachfront strip. Where pedestrians are forced to vie for space on cramped pavements whilst cars whiz by just a few inches away. Creating a rather downmarket image – especially by comparison with newer and fresher holiday destinations around the world.

Mindful of the negative impact that this could have on their most important industry, island authorities have now pressed the button on a multi million euro project to upgrade and improve amenities. In a bid to ensure that Puerto del Carmen retains its popularity for decades to come.

Work has already started on the part pedestrianisation of the Avemida del las Playas. Which will be followed through with the imposition of uniform shop fronts and fascias for all units on the Avenida de las Playas. Replacing the current garish sea of neon. So creating a more aesthetically pleasing overall impression for visitors.

More ambitious still though are plans to transform the Old Town harbour area into a stunning new marina – with moorings for luxury yachts and cruisers. A project that is designed to attract a more affluent type of tourist whilst also emulating the success of nearby Puerto Calero. The luxury marina just a few miles south along the coast where property prices already command a premium.

Work on the project is expected to take at least twelve months. But in tandem with other initiatives such as the opening of the new golf course just outside Puerto del Carmen is expected to have a positive impact on tourist numbers over the coming years.

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November 5th, 2008 Posted by Teguise | Vacation Rentals | no comments