Strike by Swissport at Alicante Airport

Workers for one of the main ground-handling companies at Alicante-Elche Airport, Swissport, have announced strike action that could impact travellers in addition to the strikes that have been taking place by Air Traffic Controllers on Mondays throughout February.

Swissport workers will go on strike from Monday 27 February, coincidentally the last day of strike action by Air Traffic Controllers during this campaign, unless an agreement can be reached.

The Swissport company is one of those in charge of handling services, baggage and airport services, which, at the Alicante terminal, handles British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet, amongst others.

The strike will begin on February 27 with a 24 -hour strike, to continue on Tuesday 28 and Thursday, March 2, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until March 13. The strikes will be 24 hours on all these days.

The unions representing workers state that they have been in negotiations since the start of February, but the company has not shown any good faith, which has subsequently led to the action announced.

The company respected the right to strike, but called for a minimum service of 100%, which the unions disagreed with, and are therefore saying that the levels will be 0%, although the actual minimum levels will be set before next week.

Read More Here! Another great informative article written by Mark Nolan at ‘The Leader’

Golf’s impact on the Spanish property market

Golf's impact on the Spanish property market

Golf and its impact on the Spanish property market | An interesting Article from 2022 published by Sur Newspaper 

Investment. Golf-loving visitors have bought over 283,000 homes in Spain and prefer locations where they can combine their sport with beach tourism

Following a few years of setbacks due to the crisis in the real estate sector, golf has become once again a major attraction for tourists and property buyers alike, especially in the regions of Andalucía and Valencia. About 8,400 properties in Spain are bought every year by visitors from other parts of Europe who love to play golf but also enjoy spending time relaxing in the sunshine and on beaches.

More than 1.2 million golfers come to this country each year and it is now the favourite destination in Europe for those who play this sport, according to a report on the impact of golf on the economy which has been produced by the IE Business School, the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) and the Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG).

This study shows that only five per cent of international tourists who come to Spain stay in a second home here, but among foreign visitors who come to play golf the percentage rises to 23.9 per cent, which gives a good idea of the attraction this sport has for the property sector.

The impact of this search for places in which to play golf, and in places where it can be combined with sunshine and beach tourism, is huge: 42 billion euros have been invested in around 283,000 properties by this tourism segment alone.

Every year in Spain people buy 8,400 properties which are located in or near golf courses, at an average price of 356,000 euros, according to data from Golf Business Partners (GBP) in the report Nuevas Tendencias en el Turismo de Golf. Horizonte 2020, which was produced by the Confederation of Business Owners of Andalucía and the regional government’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

About 18.5 per cent of the more than 350 golf courses in Spain are part of a residential development, highlighting the close link between golf and the property sector since the beginning of the century.

According to the figures from GBP, apart from the 75 golf courses which form part of a residential development, a further 170 have residential complexes nearby which benefit from their proximity.

Andalucía, top of the list

Of the 283,195 golf tourists who own a property in Spain, 36 per cent chose Andalucía as their second home, investing over 15 billion euros in total.

The Valencia region was the second most popular, as 33 per cent of tourists there come to play golf, and they have spent 13.6 billion euros on properties.

The third favourite destination in mainland Spain for international golfers to buy a second home was Murcia, with 29,051 properties costing 2.9 billion euros.

In the Balearic islands, golfers have bought 22,300 properties and spent five billion euros, and in the Canary Islands, lovers of this sport have spent 2.8 billion euros on 12,424 second homes.

It is no coincidence that people who buy a property in Spain as a base for playing golf tend to choose places where there are lovely beaches, nor that most of the golf courses in Andalucía are on or close to the coast, because these visitors are keen to enjoy both, and that creates an interesting connection between traditional tourism, residential tourism and golf.

Better quality tourism

The type of tourism associated with golf brings visitors to the country all year round; many of them come more than once a year and they all spend more while they are here.

Whereas traditional tourism has its peak in the summer months, golf tourism is most popular in the spring and autumn, especially in March, April, October and November, but it remains steady during the rest of the year.

Those who come here for the golf are twice as likely as other tourists to visit once a month (5.76 per cent, compared with 2.65) and they are also more likely to come twice or four times a year. It would be unusual for golfers to come once a year or less, or for this to be their first visit to Spain.

In addition, tourists who come to Spain for its golf facilities stay longer (11.9 nights compared with 7.4 for conventional tourists), have a higher level of income and spend much more (on average, 324 euros a day) during their stay.

SUR Friday, 25 February 2022, 18:29 Read the full article here

 

New Routes From Alicante Airport

New routes from Alicante Airport

With the imminent arrival of the spring and summer months in which travel, both within Spain and abroad, is experiencing exponential growth, the airlines have announced new routes that will begin operating from March from the Costa Blanca’s Alicante – Elche Miguel Hernández airport.

In total, 17 new routes will be launched between the three airports are in the Valencian Community (Valencia airport, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport and Castellón-Costa de Azahar airport. Specifically, from Alicante, there will be an increase of ten more routes between the months of March, April, and May.

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, will launch a total of five new routes in the coming months. Thus, starting in March, Ryanair will connect Alicante Elche airport with the Austrian city of Klagenfurt and the German region of Paderborn Lippstadt.

Starting in March, it will also be possible to travel to Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, and to the domestic destination, Santander. And in May, Ryanair will open a new connection with the Italian city of Turin.

Two cities in the Nordic countries will also have a new route to and from Alicante starting in April. The Norwegian airline will launch a connection to Stockholm Skavsta, serving the capital of Sweden, and another to the Norwegian city of Haugesund. With Norwegian, you can also travel to Aalborg, a spectacular city in northern Denmark.

In May, Niceair will open a route with Iceland, and it will be possible to fly from Alicante to the north of this idyllic country, specifically to the city of Akureyri. Also in May, the German airline Condor will link the cities of Alicante and Düsseldorf by air.

Written by Mark Nolan at the Leader Newspaper read more HERE

10 Good Reasons for Playing at Alenda Golf on the Costa Blanca Spain

 1. A Qualifying School Venue for the DP World Tour

Alenda Golf is proud to be a qualifying school venue for the prestigious DP World Tour, a testament to the high-quality standards of our course.

 

  1. Host to Spanish Professional Golf Tournaments

Alenda Golf has hosted the Spanish Professional Golf Championships (“Campeonato de España Profesionales”) in 2017, 2018, and 2020, offering a challenging yet rewarding course for top-level competitors.

 

  1. Proximity to Other Great Golf Courses

If you purchase a property at Alenda Golf, you’ll enjoy easy access to four other excellent courses within a 30-minute drive, including Alicante Golf, Bonalba Golf, Font del Llop, and El Plantío Golf.

Alicante Golf

Bonalba Golf

Font del  Llop

El Plantio Golf

 

  1. Year-Round Golfing in a Warm Climate

The Costa Blanca’s pleasant climate ensures year-round golfing. You won’t have to worry about winter greens or temporary tees, and rainfall is rare.

 

  1. Breathtaking Scenery

Golfing at Alenda offers more than just a great game. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains provide a beautiful and serene setting that enhances your overall experience.

 

6. Rich Local Culture and Cuisine

Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine during your visit. The Costa Blanca is famous for its friendly atmosphere, which adds to the pleasure of playing here.

 

  1. Convenient Location

Alenda Golf is just 20 minutes from Alicante Airport and 10 minutes from the cities of Alicante and Elche, making it easily accessible by various transportation options.

 

  1. Challenging Yet Enjoyable Course

Our course offers a mix of holes, with 4 par 5’s, 4 par 4’s, and 4 par 3’s, ensuring that golfers of all skill levels find it both challenging and enjoyable.

 

  1. Affordable Green Fees

Alenda Golf offers excellent value for money, with playing costs lower than many other local golf courses in the region, making it accessible without compromising on quality.

 

  1. Modern Practice Facilities

Our state-of-the-art practice facilities include a driving range, short game area, and putting greens, offering everything you need to sharpen your skills before hitting the course.

Scrap the 90-day limit and allow long-term stays for UK visitors.

Scrap the 90-day limit and allow long-term stays for UK visitors.

Spain wants to scrap the 90-day limit and allow long-term stays for UK visitors.

The Spanish government plans on asking the European Union to get rid of the 90-day rule that prevents UK residents from visiting the country for longer periods, as they accounted for 20% of the country’s tourists before Brexit.

Visitors from non-EU countries are only allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a period of 90 days every six months without a visa, blocking travellers from the possibility of staying indefinitely. This affects the amount of visitors that Spain can host from the UK, as around 17 million out of the 84 million year tourists came from the UK before Covid-19.

“The restriction against tourists from the United Kingdom works against Spain’s interests,” said Spanish Tourism Secretary Fernando Valdés in an interview with iNews, pointing out the negative effect the current 90-day rule has had on the country’s tourism sector after Brexit.

In the interview, Valdés said that “Spain is set to ask the EU to exempt British tourists from the current rule,” giving them the opportunity to stay in the country for longer periods as they were previously able to.

“The rule is not something Spain established itself, so we can’t get rid of it ourselves,” the Spanish Tourism Secretary said. “We can help to work on an exception, but the solution must come from European authorities,” Valdés concluded.

In the first quarter of 2022, only 1.8 million Brits visited the country, indicating a decline in tourism. With the tourism industry accounting for 12% of Spain’s GDP, the sector feels the need to put pressure on the EU to change the rule.

According to Mohammad Butt, Barcelona Office Director, Lucas Fox, sales to UK and international investors were up year on year, across Spain’s top locations including Barcelona, Sitges and Ibiza.

“Many Brits that own property in Spain do not have residency and the 90 day restriction forbids them from staying for longer periods. Before Brexit, second homeowners without Spanish residency were used to spending six months at a time at their homes in Spain, as they enjoyed some winter sun. But with the 90-day rule now being enforced more strictly by the Spanish authorities, such lengthy stays in Spain are no longer possible without residency.

“The 90 day rule applies across the EU, but if an individual wants to spend more than 90 days out of 180 days in the EU, they will need to apply for some form of visa.  The easiest way is to purchase a property and acquire a Golden Visa. The process is extremely straight forward and providing you have no criminal record from your home country and can demonstrate you can financially support yourself and dependants you will have no issues.

WRITTEN BY LLB STAFF REPORTER 10TH JAN 23 9:46 AM | London Business News / www.londonlovesbusiness.com

To read more please follow the link below.

Spain wants to scrap the 90-day limit and allow long-term stays for UK visitors

 

5 Reasons Why its better to use a Local Golf Specialist

5 Reasons Why it’s better to use a Local Golf Specialist

Alenda Golf Property believe it is important when seeking to purchase a property that clients recognise the main benefits of using an estate agent/consultant who specialises in one specific local area or golf course urbanisation.

  1. Consultants / Estate Agents who live on a golf course or specialise in a local area would have a greater understanding of the market and are uniquely positioned to provide more tailored advice which helps the buyer to make a better informed decision.
  2. They are also more likely to have access to exclusive listings that are only made available because of their local personal one to one client relationship.
  3. Additionally, they would all so possess a more in-depth and detailed knowledge of all the local amenities, schools, shops, towns, transport links, and costs associated with living in the area.
  4. Should the consultant have lived on the golf course for a great deal of time their “Local Knowledge” becomes an asset for any would be buyer or investor to get access to.
  5. Finally, a specialist local estate agent is more likely to better understand the current trends and market conditions, giving you the best chance of finding the right property at the right price.

5 reasons can prove to be invaluable when you are searching for a property and enable you to make an informed decision concerning your possible property purchase.

Christmas & New Year Incredible Weather in Alicante Area

Incredible Weather in Alicante Area Over Christmas & New Year

In short sleeves and on the beach, as the year came to an end in the Alicante Province. This was how many people said goodbye to 2022 with more than pleasant temperatures, inappropriate for the time of the year, well in excess of twenty degrees, with the Climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante confirming figures that are well above the average for recent years.

” We appear to be witnessing fewer and fewer cold spells at Christmas,” says climatologist Jorge Olcina, who said that “the end-of-year temperatures over the last two years are between five and six degrees above the average maximum temperature for December in the Alicante Province”.

The data confirms what we all know of course, a sensation shared by the people of Alicante where coats, at least during the day, became an accessory, carried in the back of the car, ‘just in case’.

The year 2022 has seen one of the highest temperatures in the last week of the year in Alicante , close to 22 degrees (21.6), which has only been exceeded on three previous occasions (2015, with 22 .2 degrees; in 2017, with 23 degrees, and in 2021, with 23.9 degrees), temperatures that are far removed from the coldest year in recent times in the Alicante capital, where, in 2013 the mercury was below 15 degrees.

As Olcina points out, “in the last ten years there has been a tendency towards a predominance of anticyclonic situations with maximum temperatures above the average”. “This has a clearly positive effect on tourist activity in the province,” he added, alluding to the sector that benefits the most when temperatures are pleasant.

Historically, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the mercury reached 23.6 degrees at the end of the year in 1996. On New Years Day, however, we saw a maximum of 21 degrees and a minimum of ten degrees, temperatures that they would ‘cry out for’ in the UK and Ireland.

Unfortunately, though, it will now start to go downhill as, in general, temperatures are expected to drop gradually at the start of 2023, up to a 17 maximum and 6 minimum forecast for the night of The Three Kings.

This article was written by Kevin Reardon https://www.theleader.info/

 

Good quality images sell more property!

Good quality images sell more property!

Alenda Golf Property believe that good-quality images of a property that is for sale enable a potential buyer to get a first look at what they, hopefully, will want to see for real.

High-quality images are essential for potential buyers to get a good sense of the property and to ensure that the images accurately represent the property.

We tend to take more images than required as that enables us to select those that have the most impact.  We also prepare them in size and format to ensure the images look great when seen online, added to the brochure, and distributed on social media.

We only include and display photos that are of the actual property that is being listed, as we know that viewers don’t appreciate seeing additional images of other similar properties mixed in with the true property photos.

Property viewers simply expect to see all that is shown in the displayed images of a property they wish to view.

Good quality images sell more property!

Generally, good photography results in a greater number of enquiries and viewings and contributes not only to a faster sale but may also help to achieve an enhanced price.

When we take photographs of your property as part of our service, there is no charge for these images, however, kindly note they remain the intellectual property of Alenda Golf Property.  They are not shared with any other property businesses.

Additionally, Alenda Golf Property also take and produces videos of the property to be listed.

Preparing For a Photo Shoot

When we arrange a date for taking photographs of your property, we would like to recommend that you do the following:

Indoors

  • Ensure your property is clean and free of clutter – minimalist works best
  • Pay special attention to kitchen and bathroom surfaces
  • Open curtains, blinds, and shutters
  • Turn on all electric lights – we will turn on and off lights if you are not there on the day
  • Open shutters, curtains, and clean windows, if necessary

Outdoors

  • Remove or hide rubbish or trash containers
  • Put away garden hoses, tools, toys, and bikes
  • Remove swimming pool covers and accessories
  • Place outdoor furniture, with cushions, on terraces
  • Remove vehicles from the driveway and front of the property if possible

 

Why Use Alenda Golf Property to help you sell your property?

  • We have lived on Alenda Golf for 17 years, we know Alenda Golf, we know the true value of the property and we know the whole buy-seller process.
  • We advertise your property across several websites, property portals and social media to give you the best opportunity for success.
  • We also manage the prospect enquiry and gather as much information as possible concerning their financial status, current property situation, and general background as best we can.
  • We manage the whole process as best we can to get positive results

 

Thinking of Selling then call us s + 34 649 649 018 and visit our website www.alendagolfproperty.com

Murcia to Madrid: Long awaited high-speed train ends the southeast’s ‘isolation’

Murcia to Madrid: Long awaited high-speed train ends the southeast’s ‘isolation’

Murcia to Madrid high-speed train ends the southeast's 'isolation'

uk.style.yahoo.com/murcia-madrid-long-awaited-high-164538817.html (see More Here!)

Murcia to Madrid high-speed train ends the southeast’s ‘isolation’

Spain’s southeastern region of Murcia now has a high-speed train link with Madrid.

The AVE rail, which launched on 20 December, puts an end to an almost two decade wait for a service which was long promised and slow to deliver.

“We settled a historic debt with Murcia, putting an end to an unfairly prolonged railway isolation,” tweeted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday, adding that the new line would advance their goal to “guarantee equal opportunities for all Spaniards.”

Yet not everyone is celebrating. On train operator Renfe’s Twitter, complaints are circulating about the frequency and speed of the trains.

How often will the Murcia-Madrid trains run?

Four daily services now run in each direction between Murcia and the Spanish capital, with the direct train taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. Two of the services stop in Alicante, with a total journey time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Introductory tickets from Murcia to Madrid are available for as low as €19 but go as high as €90, depending on how far you book in advance. Spain’s free train pass scheme can be applied to the Murcia-Alicante journey.

 

How to get a Golden Visa

Here is what you need to know!

Golden Visa is a program that allows Non-EU nationals to acquire residency and citizenship in certain countries.

This program allows you to legally work and live in Spain when purchasing Spanish real estate valued at a minimum of €500,000 (self-funded and paid in full – no debt financing allowed under
€500,000).

Spain is the most popular Golden Visa country in many aspects from ideal climate, modern lifestyle, and warm people to profitable investment opportunities.

A Spanish Golden Visa Provides the following.

Travel freely between Schengen countries Work permit and residency in Spain.
Opportunity includes spouses, children below 18 y/o, and children above 18 y/o who are dependent on the investor.
The right to benefit from public education and healthcare services in that country.
The right to apply for permanent residency in Spain and ultimately for Spanish citizenship.
Opportunity to earn rental yield by renting your investments in real estate. Exemption from double taxation.

Here is more that you should know!

Who Can Apply for a Golden Visa in Spain?
Non-EU citizens over 18 years old. Must not have a criminal record.
Those who have not been denied entry to any of the other Schengen countries.
Those who are not in an illegal situation in Spain

How to Get the Golden Visa?

The following conditions must be met for your application:-

Minimum €500.000 property purchase that may be spread over more than one property.
Minimum €2.000.000 investment to Spanish Public Debt. Minimum €1.000.000 stock purchase from Spanish companies. Minimum €1.000.000 investment to a Spanish investment found, The prices stated above are net amounts to be paid without taxes and finance.
Developing a business plan. The plan should provide employment, create positive economic and social effects, or contribute to the development of science and technology.
Purchased properties must be kept until citizenship is obtained or forever.
The investor and his/her family must visit Spain at least once in each visa period.
You will need to assign a lawyer for this process.
The lawyer fee is circa 2,000€ + IVA per family member.

Lastly!

What do I need to have prior to applying for Golden Visa in Spain?

Passport valid for at least one more year
Mariage certificates and/or birth certificates in case of an application for spouse and children
Health insurance documents valid in Spain Proof of no Criminal record
Proof of sufficient resources
Proof of investment (in case of real estate; title deed or property registration document)

Need Help?

We can help you to buy a property at Alenda Golf – Call us 649 649 018

Frontline Golf Villa For Sale at Alenda Golf

 

This Frontline Golf Villa has a large living area, modern designer kitchen with access to an extensive sized and secluded garden and pool area.  It has 4 double bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms and 1 bathroom ensuite.

The front elevation has views over the golf course towards the mountains, with a large, covered car park for up to 3 vehicles.

It is situated in an ideal location, within easy walking distance to the clubhouse, supermarket, and private school.

The area is peaceful and quiet, yet close to some interesting and very active Spanish local Towns and Cities.  An ideal location for those seeking an alfresco and healthy lifestyle.

Being at the foothills of the Sierra de Las Aguilas mountains there is easy access to nature, mountain walks, and biking.  In the last two years La Vuelta one of the leading cycling races in the international calendar passed close to Alenda Golf.

The Kitchen is modern with access to a covered Patio overlooking the Pool Area. There is also an outside barbeque area just off the kitchen which has views towards the gardens. Furthermore, the Kitchen has a fully functional and separate Utility Room.

The back garden has a sizeable swimming pool with various areas to relax.  There is a large Casita behind a trellis area for storage of all gardening and pool equipment.

The extensive gardens both front and back have been well maintained and consists of fruit trees, palm trees and various exotic plants.

This Villa is tastefully decorated throughout and needs no modernisation

In addition, the Villa is close to all the facilities offered by Alenda Golf which include a fully equipped modern Olympic gym, a spinning area with both live and computerised training sessions, a tapas bar, with spectacular views over the course from the patio, a Paddle Tennis court and a Supermarket that has a complete range of food and drink to suit all needs.

Dicost Supermarket | Alenda Golf

Alenda Golf | Dicost Supermarket

The local Dicost supermarket has everything one could need, including many well-known European brands and specialities.

It is owned and run by two of the nicest and customer focused entrepreneurs you will ever have the pleasure of meeting Adrian and Alain.  They are motivated Elche Football supporters, but unfortunately, the team is not doing well this 2022 season and are currently last in the league so give them some support.

If they do not stock what you are looking for they will do their best to get it for you.

They will also make deliveries on Alenda Golf, and their bread, made fresh every few hours all day and is the best bread around by far.

The fresh fruit, salads, and vegetables are very reasonably priced and make great eating.

The fillet steaks they are selling are well worth the try.

 

Dicost Supermarket Alenda Golf
Dicost Supermarket Alenda Golf

Latest Spanish travel rules and entry requirements

Spain travel rules and entry requirements for UK holidaymakers

Spain rescinded all of its COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Spain from October 21.

This means that travellers are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

They are also no longer required to show proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months and do not need to complete a health control form prior to travel.

For further travel advice and guidance to Spain, visit the Foreign Office website.

Brits Selling Up blame Restrictive Stay Periods

Some interesting information is seen in an article placed in the Olive Press reporting a survey which was carried out by Campbell Ferguson Spain.

  • More Expat Brits continue to sell their Spanish holiday and residential homes as they will get more pounds for their euro and are able to afford a better property back in the UK.
  • More Brits are motivated to sell their Spanish homes due to restrictive stay periods allowed because of being out of the European Community
  • However, once again, the Brits, are still the largest buyers, making up at least 16% of foreign buyers.
  • Average Difference Between Asking Price and Actual Selling Price.  –  July to September. 7.09% – is the most recent quarter, where the market is perhaps beginning to reflect the seriousness of the European and World economic situation and sellers are more nervous and so willing to accept offers at less than the asking price.
  • There is a shortage of supply of all property types and especially the higher priced ones, in most areas.
  • Prices have started to creep up and will probably do so more if the supply shortage and excess demand continue.
  • ‘Golden Visas’ have continued their popularity for non-EU buyers, contributing to the demand for higher value properties as they permit residence of more than 90 days in any 180.
  • The central Government is promoting a number of visa styles, aimed at the wealthy retired and ‘digital nomads’, who can work and live anywhere, communicating principally by internet with only the occasional ‘presence’ back in the head office.
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