Baggage Handlers Threaten Strike Action
Baggage handlers at Arrecife airport are threatening to take indefinite strike action next week. In a pay related protest that could cause disruption to British and Irish tourists.
Baggage handlers employed by Swissport Menzies at Arrecife airport are set to go on strike next Thursday 11th September. A move that will affect travellers on Easyjet, Thomas Cook, Aerlingus, Condor, Iberworld and Futura flights to Lanzarote.
Swissport Menzies is one of the five companies which handles luggage at Arrecife airport. Union representative, David Perdomo, declared that suitcases will arrive, but what could not be envisaged is how long it will then take to unload them and get them to passengers. As only a minimal service will be provided by the handlers.
Further 24 hour strikes are then planned every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until the dispute has been resolved.
Union officials are keen to ensure that travellers are aware of the action and stressed that there is as little disruption caused to passengers as possible.
Broken Embraces Set For General Release With Sony
Sony Pictures has picked up the distribution rights to Pedro Almodovar´s next film release, Broken Embraces. Much of which was shot on Lanzarote – so providing an expected boost to island tourism during 2009.
Previous film releases such as Mama Mia and Captain Correlli´s Mandarin have done much to boost tourism for the locations in which they were shot. And Broken Embraces – starring Penelope Cruz – could have a similar ´silver screen effect’. By increasing interest in – and visitor numbers to – Lanzarote.
Sony has distributed ten of Almodovar’s previous movies. And their marketing muscle should help to ensure that the release gains the maximum possible exposure.
Whilst the film may still premier as early as January 2009 an official release date has not yet been set.
Canaries Show Smallest House Price Falls in Spain
The price of second hand property for sale in the Canary Islands has shown the smallest decrease in the whole of Spain during the first eight months of this year. According to figures recently released by Spanish homes and property website Facilisimio.com
On the seven islands resale property has only lost 0.98% of its value – in comparison with a national average drop of 5.11%. Whilst in other areas of the peninsular and the Balearic Islands prices have softened far more dramatically, with 7.25% decreases noted in the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza and 2.68% recorded in Murcia.
During the summer months from 1st June to 31st August, the fall across the country was noted at 1.52%, a rate far greater than that seen in the same months of 2007 when it was only .28% lower.
Some regions however, seem to be fairing better, such as Galicia, Extramadura and Cantabria which have all seen moderate price increases.
In the opinion of Juanra Doral, the director of website Facilisimo.com which was responsible for collating the figures ‘the inactivity normally experienced during the summer season has been aggravated by other factors such as the economic crisis and is resulting in the closure of many estate agencies’.
Work Completed on Lanzarote´s Newest Attraction
Construction work on the Cesar Manrique inspired Parque Maritimo in Arrecife is now complete. But an opening date is yet to be confirmed for the opening of this stylish water park which is located on the Islote de Fermin just behind the Gran Hotel in Arrecife.
The Parque de Maritimo is a project first conceived by Manrique back in the 1980´s. After the creation of a similar facility in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. And features many of the island born artist and architect’s trademark touches – such as lagoon like brilliant white Perspex swimming pools, similar to the one located at the Jameos del Agua in the north of the island.
Currently, the scheme is awaiting the green light from the islands Port Authority. Who control all shoreline commercial activity. But once approved the Parque Maritimo will be opened to the general public.
