The Covid–19 pandemic is still being felt in a significant way along the Costa del Sol and Andalucía in general. It’s generally agreed that the Andalucian coast is one of the gems of Spanish tourism however all is not as rosy as the government and tourism associations expected as Spain entered the “new normal”. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs it found very low occupancy rates across the coast as businesses have been plagued by cancellations and lingering Covid-19 fears. So far in July, many municipalities have failed to reach 40% occupancy rates in hotels and the current outlook for August is equally bleak. This month, the Costa del Sol is expected to close with an average occupancy rate of 36.33%. That figure is expected to increase to 42.71% in August. The biggest loss has come from the foreign markets, which account for just 16% of occupancy rates in July and 26% in August, reported Diario Sur (Southern Spain’s leading daily Newspaper).
These figures present a significant problem, not only to local tourism related businesses but also for the Spanish economy as a whole. In normal times, tourism represents some 26% of GDP, without this contribution the overall economy suffers. Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, has already hinted that IVA (Spanish VAT) and income taxes may well have to rise to fill the gap; this in itself will hardly help tourism as in turn additional costs to businesses will lead to price rises.
The mask returns!
Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa reported on Thursday (9th July 2020) that six active Covid-19 outbreaks had been detected in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 73. This has led to a spike in Covid-19 cases, with 241 infections recorded on Thursday. Of Spain’s 17 regions, only Asturias and La Rioja have not reported a Covid-19 outbreak. Since the removal of the state of emergency the Spanish government has devolved Covid-19 measures to the autonomous communities, Andalucía being one. This is partially because Malaga has seen several new outbreaks, with 109 infections being linked to a Red Cross immigration reception centre situated in the city. The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, has announced his intention of making the use of face masks compulsory in all public places in the region. The move comes as a preventative measure in the light of these local outbreaks registered over the last few days.
During a visit to Ceuta on Saturday (11th July 2020), Moreno said that the measure would be considered on Monday at the meeting of medical experts who advise the regional authority on Covid-19 policies. The use of face coverings was regulated by the national government decree that makes masks compulsory wherever a distance of a metre and a half from other people is impossible to maintain. The new Andalucian ruling would mean that masks must be worn in all public spaces, regardless of whether this distance can be observed. We understand that this ruling will take effect from Wednesday 15th July 2020. The regional governments in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Extremadura have already made similar moves to tighten the regulations on face masks.
Scotland the Brave!
According to the BBC, people travelling to and from Spain will still have to go into quarantine when arriving in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced. The Scottish government has approved almost all of the “air bridge” travel destinations set out by UK ministers. This means that from 10 July, Scots can travel to 57 other countries without having to self-isolate on returning. However, Spain and Serbia have been omitted from the list due to concerns about the prevalence of Covid-19. The first minister said this was a “very difficult decision” to make, but that it was needed to “protect Scotland as far as possible from a resurgence of this virus in the weeks ahead”. Given the number of Scots that visit Spain this is another piece of bad news.
Timeshare Resorts
Undoubtedly the largest timeshare resort on the Costa del Sol, Club la Costa (CLC World) is set to reopen on the 24th July and has already put in place their “Safe Hands” set of safety measures. Needless to say holidays at CLC will be radically different this year. As quoted on the CLC website, restaurants and bars will have new layouts and less capacity, the same will be for the pool and other public areas and in general social distancing will have to apply. Now with the added requirement to wear a mask at all times and all the other measures in place, it will feel more like a prison camp than a holiday camp.
Needless to say, all timeshare resorts in Spain, including the Balearics and Canaries will have to adopt similar rules to CLC with maybe the exception of masks depending on location.
It’s all change
From earlier check in times at airports to restrictions of hand luggage to wearing masks at the airport and on the plane and all things that have changed at your resort, 2020 will certainly be a very different year for Spanish holidays. It is obvious that governments are reviewing the Covid-19 scenario constantly and therefore make sure you research the current position before leaving home.
During the state of emergency in Spain, failure to wear a mask where required may bring a fine of up to €100, with repeat offenders being fined in excess of €600. With the new dictate in Andalucía taking effect this week no doubt fines will be imposed for failure to comply. Just to confirm, the law relating to the wearing of masks in Andalucia has been enacted with effect from midnight 14th July, it has also been strenghtened. The Andalusian government has approved its ruling announced at the weekend to make the use of face masks mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public spaces around the southern Spanish region, even when social distancing is possible. The rule applies even to beaches and swimming pools and puts the penalty for not complying at a fine of €100. Make sure you know the rules because, as they say, ignorance is no defence of the law.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk