Benitatxell replaces FITUR with “SOS Tourism”, a conference to discuss a respectful and conscious tourism model

• The Council has decided not to participate in the International Tourism Fair in order to focus on a model that prioritises the wellbeing of local residents and respect for local identity

The Council of El Poble Nou de Benitatxell is taking a decisive step towards transforming its tourism strategy. Next February 21st, the Municipal Library will host the debate “SOS Tourism: Living Identity, Shared Coexistence”, a meeting created with the objective of reflecting on the present and future of the sector in the municipality and the region.

Farewell to FITUR: a necessary change of direction

As a declaration of intentions, the council has decided to stop attending the International Tourism Fair (FITUR). After analysing last year’s experience (the only time the current government team has attended), it has been concluded that this major showcase does not represent the model of tourism that the municipality wishes to promote, nor does it attract the public that the municipality is seeking.

Instead of opting for mass promotion, Benitatxell prefers to invest its efforts in a day of collective thinking in which the problems generated by tourism are discussed, as well as possible alternatives and solutions, based on local identity and well-being.

An open debate on the challenges facing the region

The event, which will take place from 10am to 2pm, will feature round table discussions, group activities and presentations by experts who will analyse the impact of excessive growth and alternatives for the future. Some of the participants are:

• Pep Bolufer: The marine biologist from El Poble Nou and member of Garrot Acció will analyse the growth model of La Marina Alta since the 1970s, focusing on the case of Benitatxell and its macro-urbanisations. He will address how the lack of urban planning has affected key infrastructure such as waste management, water shortages and the road network.
• Juan Cardona (Passaport Marina Alta): He will contribute ideas for the future to approach tourism from a perspective that protects the territory and its inhabitants.
• César Palazuelos (Salabre Comunicació): He will outline the key points of the “Turisme per a respirar” (Tourism to breathe) project as an alternative to the usual tourist resources.

The Councillor of Tourism, Víctor Bisquert, emphasised that tourism must be based on respect for the local population. For this reason, this conference is open to the general public, especially neighbours, as their opinion is essential to ensure a balanced coexistence between visitors and residents. «We cannot plan the future of our town without listening to those who live here. We want tourism that preserves our identity, not one that blurs it out,’ he said.

As capacity is limited, anyone interested in attending must sign up in advance by sending an email to turisme@elpoblenoudebenitatxell.com.