Busy beachfront on first day of the year!

2013 began well in Benidorm - the good weather and special deals has bought an influx of visitors to the resort. But the past year has been not been good for many households and 2012 will go down in history as one of hardship. Despite this though, thousands celebrated the arrival of the New Year and bars and cafes were jam packed. The extra long break has been a respite for many traders linked to the tourism sector after a poor year and many will still be off until Monday 7th - the day after the Three Kings.

As well as foreign tourists, many have driven from cities such as Madrid which is evident when you see the lack of parking. Anyone that has driven here knows that generally the Spanish are not the best of drivers, and unfortunately this is evident when you read that a total of 40 people have been killed in 37 fatal accidents on Spanish roads over this Christmas break. The most tragic day was Sunday 23rd December, with 13 deaths and 6 serious injuries.

"Is there anyone there!"

Yesterday, New Years Day, Benidorm seafront was packed with people walking up and down the promenade or sitting in one of the many bars enjoying a drink in the sun - temperatures rose to 18 degrees! It was a strange contrast watching people and easy to guess which were tourists and which were visitors as they walked side by side.... one in shorts, T-shirt and flip flops whilst the other wrapped in a scarf and wearing boots! A yellow flag was flying and the lifeguards were out on duty - I did spot a few brave souls having a dip in the sea - very refreshing. In Albir they held what has now become a traditional New Years day swim, with many braving the water wearing a santa hat for charity.

But 2013 will be a testing time for many households in Spain... the price of most basic services are rising, municipal rates and taxes will go up above the rate of inflation yet wages will be frozen or cut which will result in a dangerous cocktail. Nine million pensioners will see their their pensions rise by only 1% and those on unemployment benefit will also see a 10% cut... and the benefit is stopped after 2 years, so they then become reliant on family.

So is 2012 going to go down as the worst year to date  or will 2013 be even worse?