How many would have guessed that when the very first episode of the ITV comedy series Benidorm hit our screens back in 2007, it would become the huge success that it is today. Believe it or not even I was an extra in that first series. To date five series have been commissioned and produced by Tiger Aspect - repeats of the last series have been on ITV2 every Sunday night.
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Who remembers the famous late Max Bygraves catch phrase .... "I want to tell you a story" - well so do I!When going on holiday you are constantly reminded to take out travel insurance as an EHIC card alone is not adequate. The European Health Insurance Card will cover any necessary emergency treatment required as part of a reciprocal health care agreement between all EU member states.
The IVA increases, announced in July by Prime minister Mariano Rajoy came into force at midnight - making the general rate 21% - 1% higher than in the UK. However, where the difference becomes really apparent is on the utilities. In the UK gas, electricity and heating oil is charged at a reduced VAT rate of 5% but here in Spain it is subject to the full standard rate, which is now 21%!
Benidorm Mayor Agustin Navarro chaired a meeting at the Town Hall yesterday with the Head of Security, Police officials and local business leaders to discuss the issues raised following much controversial press coverage in the UK national papers - most notably The Sun.The City Council have requested that Central Government restore National Police reinforcements during the busy Summer period having noticed a reduction from previous years.
Have you every wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a shuttle transfer call centre? I asked one of the young ladies to recall a typical working day and here is her account....Oscar Wilde once said "there is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life"- this had never become more apparent than when I started work for an airport transfer company.
Sunday´s much needed rain bought chaos to Benidorm as sewers overflowed, unable to cope with the torrential downpour. The early Summer rain was very short but sharp and proved that the towns sewerage and drainage system lacks capacity.
The unstoppable rise of the All Inclusive holiday to Benidorm continues to spark tension between hoteliers, restauranteurs and retailers. Javier Garcia, deputy president of HOSBEC, the hoteliers association said that "If we did not offer All Inclusives then we would loose customers. People want to ensure that their holiday budget is clear - this market has grown and continues to grow and if we did not offer it people would go to other destinations.
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When you hear the term "Golden Mile" you have visions of the famous Las Vegas strip, all lit up and glamorous. However, Benidorm´s so called Golden Mile is anything but....It is a stretch on the old N332 which use to be the main road through Benidorm before the bypass was built ... which incidentally is being improved and widened as we speak.
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August has been a very busy month in Benidorm - mainly due to the domestic Spanish holiday maker taking a "staycation". The city dwellers, particularly those from Madrid flock to Benidorm for their 2 week break - they view Benidorm as their local beach. Unfortunately the majority drive and its a nightmare trying to find somewhere to park during this period.
The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, operated by Cunard arrives in the port of Alicante today this morning, sailing in from Rome then setting sail again at 17.00 this afternoon for Gibraltar.The 2100 passengers, (and 900 staff) will have the opportunity to disembark and spend the day on shore - I remember earlier this year there was talk of offering an excursion service to coach them over to Benidorm but not sure whether this materialised or not.
If you fancy trying something a bit different whilst in Benidorm, then have a go on the Benibike! Need some exercise to burn off all those Menu del Dias you´ve been indulging in or extra pints you have been enjoying, then this may be something to look at! I saw it yesterday evening going along the the main Avd Mediterraneo, all lit up and it looked good fun - but you need rather a lot of energy.
The charity golf day held on Sunday was a great success and very well attended. The venue was the beauitiful Villaitana golf resort in Benidorm - located up towards Terra Mitica. I popped by on Saturday to find Dave, Ted and Aldo busy setting everything up - you don´t realise how much preparation goes on behind the scenes to make events such as this possible.
Following a complaint from AENA the Spanish Airports Authority, the Aviation Safety Agency under the Ministry of Development has initiated an investigation against budget carrier Ryanair. This follows an incident when 3 Ryanair flights were forced to make emergency landings at Manises Airport in Valencia on 26th July due to lack of fuel. It has opened a debate on the aggressive cost cutting policies favored of the budget airline.
For a first class night out you cannot beat Benidorm Palace - it has been voted Europe´s best cabaret theatre and nightclub for 2012, even beating the likes of Moulin Rogue in Paris! It is probably the most visited attraction in Benidorm and you are guaranteed a night to remember. The show changes every year and the new one, which was launched in May is called "Surreal".
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