Beach bars along the Cádiz coastline are now operating at full capacity to welcome summer tourists. Antonio Guerrero, president of the Association of Companies of the Costa de Cádiz (Aecca), explains that the province is "in vogue" and attracts an increasing number of visitors thanks to effective tourism promotion. Despite the general economy being "touched," the sector expects a "good" season, with high professional expectations and a clear priority for workers: offering the best service to make visitors perceive the destination as a "paradise."
Guerrero addressed the recent controversy surrounding a ruling by the High Court of Justice of Andalusia that requires a review of the annual concessions for beach bars, directly impacting significant establishments in Rota and Tarifa. "We are one economic engine among many; we don't want to be the main one or the last one. We simply want to be allowed to work and do things well," he stated. He defended that these establishments are "part of the identity of our beaches" and constitute a "tourist heritage," questioning the idea of "beaches without beach bars" from "an office" and emphasizing their cultural and economic importance for Andalusia.
He argued that they are "a vital part" of the so-called "blue economy" and the identity of Andalusian beaches, expressing confidence that the current legal uncertainty stemming from "confrontations" between the Spanish Government and the Regional Government will be resolved through dialogue to protect their businesses and workers.
“"We are one economic engine among many; we don't want to be the main one or the last one. We simply want to be allowed to work and do things well."
“"Who thinks of beaches without beach bars?"
Aecca received with "relief and moral strength" the parliamentary support obtained in the Senate that halted the demolition of beach bars. The Upper House approved a motion by the Popular Party urging the Government to halt and review the draft of the new General Coastal Regulation. However, this political breathing room coincided with a new setback for the sector. The central Government again suspended—for the second time and without explanation or an alternative new date—the key meeting that beach hoteliers had scheduled for July 2nd with the Secretary of State for the Environment. "As of today, we have no new summons. They want to delay us, but we will persist," warned Guerrero firmly.
