ARCHIVED - Benidorm beaches on the Costa Blanca gear up for safe return of tourists
Dozens of tourist informants have been hired to monitor the famous beaches in Marina Baixa, Alicante province, this summer.
Benidorm has hired 58 'tourist informants' to offer assistance, monitor compliance of Covid measures and help safeguard its famous beaches this summer ahead of a much-anticipated influx of both national and international holidaymakers.
Despite restrictions imposed to curb the spread of Covid last year, 2.5 million people visited the hugely popular beaches of Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas between mid-June and October, with peaks of more than 43,500 people in a single day.
And with the progressive relaxation of international travel restrictions, the resort hopes to significantly increase these figures over the next three months by ensuring "Benidorm remains the most popular safe destination of choice".
Benidorm is one of the first coastal resorts in the Valencia region to implement a beach monitor service, which was launched yesterday, Thursday, June 17, on the coastline's three main beaches.
They are tasked with providing tourist information as well as monitoring capacity levels and ensuring beach goers comply with health and safety measures, such as adhering to the 16 square metre plots for a maximum of four people which divide the sands.
The public is also asked to use "authorised accesses" which are clearly marked, to wear "suitable footwear", and swim in designated zones.
The hiring of beach informants is part of the 'Eplayas 2021' program is co-financed by the Valencia government and local council at a cost of almost €400,000.
IMAGE: Ayuntamiento de Benidorm