Next week, Madrid will host FITUR - International Tourism Trade Fair. FITUR is the leading professional forum devoted to tourism in the Spanish state. Sitges will be there again to promote our tourism and exhibit our town as a first class tourist resort, with an offer tailored to different compatible sectors and segments. Sitges will present its card at FITUR, fully convinced of having infrastructure and services capable of meeting our current needs.
Despite the growing crisis and the fact that the economic situation does not show any real sign of recovery, the tourism industry in Sitges is weathering the storm and our town continues to maintain its power of seduction. In fact, tourism has increased because our resilience makes it more attractive than other destinations that have been forced to backtrack on tourism and gambling projects.
The data confirms this situation. During the past year, which so far has been the worse in the current crisis, Sitges opened seven hotels belonging to different categories. From top class hotels to pensions and mid-level hotels, our town received several investments that are a living proof of confidence in our capabilities and our future.
Some of those hostelry businesses are brand new. Probably, the most significant new hotel is Avenida Sofia Hotel & Spa. Past week, the hotel opened doors thanks to an arrangement between ownership and the City Hall, until justice finally settles issues related to balconies. The present municipal Government is totally compromised with economic promotion and creation of jobs, but always in full compliance with the law.
Other new hotels have been the result of restructuring old facilities, some of which were closed or only opened for the season. This is the case of Medium Park (at Carrer Jesús), Hotel Sitges or Hotel Utopia (both in the Vinyet sector), three flaming brands that have arrived with new ideas, a renewed passion and a suggestive offer geared to different segments.
And finally, there are three new facilities that transformed old houses in the center of town into attractive small hotels: Led (Carrer Sant Pere), Terracotta (Carrer Carreta) and Deluxe Devallada (at the street of the same name). Those three facilities play a role of great importance among Sitges' tourist attractions: on one hand, they offer services totally demoted from large crowds that take care of every detail, and secondly, they knew how to preserve the charm and the rich heritage of the buildings they occupy. One factor, the latter very important for the current City Council, which triggered actions favoring heritage conservation.
Tourism entrepreneurs believe in Sitges because the town offers many possibilities. At a time of recession, when most economic sectors are experiencing serious economic troubles, the news that tourism, our tourism, maintains its bearing and has projects for the future should be welcomed with caution, but also with the satisfaction that generates confidence in our possibilities.
At FITUR we will exhibit the potential of Sitges to hostelry investors, with the aim of strengthening tourism related with our beaches, culture, shopping, dining, entertainment and sports. The compatibility and diversification of the aforementioned options are guaranteed.
