First the Chinese, now the Russians are coming to Benidorm

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Russia´s new "middle classes"are choosing Spain as their preferred holiday destination. The Russian market is growing and Benidorm is certainly courting this influx of visitors to its shores. With flights available from Moscow to Alicante on both Iberia and Vueling the market is sure to keep increasing and bringing them in. Russian tour operator "Versa" have also launched charter packages from St Petersburg to Alicante.

The Russians are use to crowded beaches

Russia´s new "middle classes"are choosing Spain as their preferred holiday destination. The Russian market is growing and Benidorm is certainly courting this influx of visitors to its shores. With flights available from Moscow to Alicante on both Iberia and Vueling the market is sure to keep increasing and bringing them in. Russian tour operator "Versa" have also launched charter packages from St Petersburg to Alicante over the peak summer season. On Tuesday, the councillor for Tourism and Culture stated that "the rise of markets such as Russia and Britain has offset the slight decline in in domestic tourism".

Up to now most Russian that were unable to travel out of the country headed to the southern resort of Yalta, on the Black Sea. The beaches are terribly crowded... I have actually experienced it myself some years back. In fact, it was SO chock-a-block that people stood up reading their books and rotated around with one arm up in the air to get  an even suntan... it reminded me of a chicken on a rotisserie!

Russian church in Altea

For many years Benidorm has welcomed visitors from all over Europe and the new emerging Russian market is also now important for Benidorm. Although for 2011 it only represented1% of the market,  it accounted for over 54,000 visitors and the Russians are classified as high spenders, with an average spend of 120 euros per day according to Juan Angel Ferrer.  With this in mind, the Benidorm Tourist Board have established, on a trial basis, a bilingual customer service hotline for the duration of the high season. This service is available Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 18.00 on 965 082 162 and they have also launched the "Visit Benidorm" website in Russian due to the increasing number of Russian visitors

Eye catching Intempo on Poniente side of benidorm

 Many bar and restaurant employees are learning the basics but the real growth market is in the housing sector - and most estate agents will have a fairly good grasp of the tongue. The Russians are buying up property in the area and are particularly keen on Benidorm and Altea - there is even a Russian Orthodox church at the bottom of Altea Hills, with its golden domes glistening in the sun.The impressive Intempo building which is currently still being constructed in Benidorm is certainly appealing to the Russians and according to one of the sales reps, many of the units have been taken by Russian buyers. Standing at 200 metres and covering 47 floors with its gold cladding, it is the tallest residential building in Spain.  Look around at the advertising hoardings and you will notice more and more adverts in Russian going up - I even saw a taxi with a Russian ad plastered across its side.

Aprox 70% of Russina tourists head to the North East of Spain, namely the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, but one big pull that the Costa Blanca has over their Catalonian cousins is bullfighting!  The Russians are  fans and enthusiasts of blood sports and particularly keen on bullfighting. Although banned in Catalonia, it is still legal here in the Valencian Community so a big pull for them. In a vain attempt to keep the significant Russian sector, they have established "bloodless" bullfights! The tourists are bussed from the coast to the village of Alfara de Carles where a novice bullfighter will go through the ritual without physically harming the bull and the Russians pay 90€ for the trip!

Press conference in Benidorm to promote the Bullfight

At a press conference in Benidorm yesterday, area councillor Juan Ramon Martinez announced two bullfights that will take place today (17th)  and tomorrow at the Plaza de Torres in the centre of town. Both fights commence at 22.30 and tickets prices are only 10€ for adults and 8€ for children and pensioners. I am sure that you will hear a lot of Russian being spoken there....

Many Russian men have served military service and know how to defend themselves. They will fight first and ask questions later... I think that if any of the peamen or pickpockets have a go at them they´d end up worse for wear - perhaps in the short term it may clear up the problem?

St Petersburg Russian ballet comes to Benidorm

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The world renowned St Petersburg ballet troupe is coming to Benidorm this weekend to perform two of the most famous classical masterpieces :Swan Lake andThe Sleeping Beauty on the stage of Benidorm Palace.They have been invited by the Department of Culture at Benidorm Town Hall. As the Casa de Cultura on the Avd Europa has not been completed they are using the facilities at Benidorm Palace.

Benidorm to Denia tram may close

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According to workers of the the popular FGV Tram, Ferrocarril de la Generalitat Valenciana, the service between Benidorm and Denia "could close due to failure to invest in its maintenance and improvement"!The FGV is the Valencian public railway company owned by the regional government which was founded as a company in 1986 - prior to that railway system was part of the nationally owned FEVE.

Benidorm featured yet again - this time in "The Mirror"

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Two weeks ago, on Monday 30th July there was an extremely controversial article printed about Benidorm in The Sun newspaper under the heading "Benidoom! Once a fave with with Brits, now on it´s knees". I was very vocal in defense as it was totally inaccurate, giving a very misleading impression of the resort. When someone writes something they should research throughly and make sure all the facts are correct.

Magnificent firework display in Altea tonight

Everything is ready for tonight, Saturday 11th August... the Castell de l´Olla - one of the most famous firework displays in the province. It is an anual event which takes place to mark the end of the San Lorenzo fiesta and people come not only from neighboring towns, but from across the whole of Spain to watch this incredible event. Nearby restaurants have been booked up for months...

Golf charity day in Benidorm on Sunday 19th August

Next Sunday, 19th August the Union Jack Golf Society will be hosting their 3rd anual fundraising golf tournament in aid of Emaus - an organisation which run 5 children´s homes along the Costa Blanca.The event is being organised by Dave, Secretary of The Union Jack Golf Society based at the Union Jack Bar in Benidorm, which is located in the Rincon de Loix next to the Dynastic hotel.

Twin Towers of Benidorm

Controversy continues around two towers blocks, known as Gemelos 28 which were built at Punta Llisera, a few metres from the Levante beachfront in Benidorm. The Supreme Court has withdrawn the authorization that was granted for the construction of the two 21 story tower blocks even though they are finished and the fact that  over 100 of the 168 luxury homes are already sold.

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Scottish Sun ignores the voice of Benidorm

Last Monday, the Sun newspaper and I use the term very loosely, printed an article entitled "Benidoom! Once a fave with the Brits, now it´s on it´s knees".There was a terrible backlash, especially from people living and working here in Benidorm pointing out the  inaccuracies in the piece and the wrong photographs which were used.

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The legend of Benidorm - Sticky Vicky

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According to El Pais, a national Spanish newspaper, under today´s "Culture" section is a piece about the radical contrasts of entertainment on offer in Benidorm.Walk around the Rincon de Loix area and virtually every bar and club has a board outside listing the various entertainers and tribute acts on with the times. Entry to these places is free - all they hope is that once you are in you will stay for the night and purchase drinks.

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Deputy Mayor of Benidorm goes into scrap metal business

After years of tradition, whereby couples would leave padlocks to symbolise their never ending love for each other, the newly appointed Deputy Mayor of Benidorm Gema Amor has ordered their removal!Miss Amor´s responsibilities also cover Tourism and Town Planning, which is where the padlocks come into play.

Vox Pop - No Doom and Gloom in Benidorm

In case you are wondering, "Vox Pop" is a term often referred to in the broadcasting and media world and means popular opinion as represented by informal comments from members of the public.Following Monday´s article in The Sun entitled "Benidoom" there has been a huge backlash from both residents and holiday makers in the resort.

Political peace in Benidorm

After almost a year with no overall political control at Benidorm Town Hall - the PP have 11 seats, PSOE 11 seats and Liberals 3 therefore holding the balance of power, the vacum is no more.Gema Amor, leader of the CDL Liberals yesterday signed a pact with the Socialist Mayor Agustin Navarro which allows the Socialists to stay in power until 2015 and gives her the position as Deputy Mayor

On its knees... Benidorm says NO to The Sun newspaper article

In today´s copy of "The Sun" there is a very sensational headline "Benidoom! Once a fave with Brits, now it´s on it´s knees" written by Graeme Culliford - this story is beyond inaccurate and I wish to point out the false and misleading impression it has cast over the resort.Yes Spain is suffering in the economic crisis, much like the rest of Europe.

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New residency requirements in Spain

Under new rules which came into effect on 10th July 2012, EU citizens applying for residency in Spain may be required to produce evidence of sufficient financial means to support themselves (and dependants).  This new residency requirement is for those planning on living in Spain for more than 3 months and applies to all EU citizens - including Brits.