by Nick Ball

Could Lanzarote’s oldest resort be about to become the Puerto Banus of the Canaries? It’s a bit of a stretch for anyone who has visited the island over the last few years, as Puerto del Carmen, still the most popular destination on Lanzarote, has been looking a little tired around the edges of late. Thanks to the impact of over thirty years of package tourism.

But now island authorities are pressing ahead with ambitions plans to “reinvent” tourism in Puerto del Carmen by taking the resort upmarket. A project which has profound implications for the both the future of tourism on the island and the Lanzarote property market.

Part of the harbour extension is towed into position and sunk (Photo: C. & L. Tappenden)

Puerto del Carmen is the place where tourism first took root on Lanzarote. Growing dramatically over the last thirty years to transform a small fishing village called La Tiñosa into a bustling holiday destination. And now Puerto del Carmen is about to undergo a second metamorphosis – as island authorires start work on a project that is designed to maintain the resorts popularity as newer, fresher challengers enter the holiday market.

The central plank of this plan is the project to turn the Old Town Harbour area – currently home to a few old fishing boats and excursion vessels – into a luxury marina. A project inspired by the runaway success of the marina at nearby Puerto Calero – now the most upmarket destination on the island, where property prices command a premium.

Local tourist authorities hope that this new marina – which is already in construction and which should be completed by May 2009 – will have a similar halo effect in terms of attracting a more affluent tourist to the resort. Whilst also creating a more upmarket ambience.

Roadworks in Puerto del Carmen (Photo: C. & L. Tappenden)

This desire to improve the aesthetic feel of Puerto del Carmen also encompasses the current project to part pedestrianise the main beachfront strip, the Avenida de las Playas. Where tourists currently come a very poor second to two lanes of traffic. As well as the imposition of new uniform, shop fronts and fascias on the units lining the Avenida – which currently advertise themselves with a fairly garish kealdsicope of neon signage.

These multi million euro initiatives – in tandem with the opening of the new golf course on the outskirts of the resort next year – are expected to have a positive impact on both tourist numbers and property values over the years to come. Regardless of current concerns about the economic climate.

I’m a little late blogging about this, but it’s not too late to download the Autumn edition of the Lanzarote Guidebook.

The free PDF download is ideal for anyone planning a visit to the island, as it covers almost everything you could possible want to know about the resorts, places to visit, the beaches, the museums, and of course essential information such as telephone numbers, opening hours, etc.

It also makes for interesting reading, even if you can’t make it to Lanzarote this year.  In this case, you could enter the competition to win a weeks accommodation at Sands Beach.

But hurry!  The closing date for entries is Friday, 13th December, 2008 and you’ll need to download the PDF to find the link to take part.  That Friday the 13th will be lucky for someone!

BBC News is reporting today that a Thomas Cook flight from Glasgow skidded off the end of the runway after landing in Arrecife this morning.

They have a short film showing the plane next to the perimeter fence with fire engines in attendance.  Passengers appear to have left the aircraft using steps and there are no chutes visible.

Click here for more details.