During the early 90's, Sitges witnessed a hotel boom reflected in the opening of new high category hotels, and in the refurbishment and reconversion of existing ones. In a very short period, we went from two 4-star hotels to eight. The commitment of Sitges to attract business conventions & congresses, the task carried out by the hospitality industry to break seasonality, and all the prospects brought about by Barcelona Olympics in 1992, were elements that favored the necessary tourist boost in Sitges. The tourist industry was modernized and the city gained new economic horizons thanks to a more competitive and higher quality offer, capable of generating revenues during the entire year, instead of the trend of previous decades, which concentrated almost all revenues in the few months of the season.
Twenty years later, Sitges is experiencing a similar process. The economic situation is substantially different (the current crisis is far harsher that the one experienced in the undertow of 92), although the point of departure is not comparable. The conversion and refurbishment carried out in that era was the foundation that allowed us to develop a competitive tourist industry, not living uniquely of the legacy left by different generations thanks to the strength of the brand, but also from its current capacity, with quality infrastructures and services.
And just like two decades ago, private investment, very much in the hands of families from Sitges, is also committed with providing quality facilities for Sitges. Today, despite the deep crisis, the hotel map of the town is expanding with significant initiatives which improve our overall supply, and thus, our market position. Two weeks ago, Medium Sitges Park Hotel opened in a building created by architect Gaietà Buigas in our town, a very interesting and creative project that wants to participate in our local reality. Recently, Hotel Utopia opened doors. A new concept of facility with 145 beds focused on the general public and with affordable prices. The same family acquired Hotel Romantic, a building that constitutes another Art Nouveau marvel. The investors will refurbish 22 rooms that will be in full operation next year. In a similar way, Hotel Alba, one of the small hotels leaders in family tourism, so important for our model, has undergone a major renovation, and is reborn with the name of Hotel Sitges. I also have to consider the outstanding investment being made in the Avenida Sofia Hotel Spa, which shows that Sitges is a town that builds trust. The process that surrounded this building since the previous municipal government granted the first construction permit was a wealth of absurdities. Such an irregular process help to stress that compliance with laws should always be an essential point.
In the last two decades, Sitges probably witnessed too many things done in a wreckless way. The excessive and disproportionate commitment with the construction industry was, in some occasions, very damaging for the economic base of this town during the last half century: tourism, which should always be accompanied by the tag "quality" when referring to Sitges. For this reason, and responding to one of the essential items contained in the agreement signed just over a year ago by the four political parties comprising the municipal government, this Council will work to achieve positive economic initiatives for our town, and will provide to the organizers the necessary facilities to make them a reality.
