Valle de la Orotava - Plan de excelente turistica

Since the nineteenth century Tenerife, and the Orotava Valley in particular, has been known in Europe, for its mild temperatures all year round, and the subsequent therapeutic advantages for health.

This quality, which is a result of the combined special geographic and climatic conditions in this part of the island, was widely recognised by a great number of European visitors who stayed for long periods to rest at the first hotels that appeared in Tenerife, at first following medical advice and later to escape from the rigours of winter.

As a result of this, a tourist industry sprang up on the Island at the end of the last century, gathering prestige with the passing of time.

At present, the towns situated in the valley, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Los Realejos, are benefiting from the Tourist Development Plan through a wide range projects in pursuit of an overall improvement in service infrastructure, placing a special emphasis on cultural and environmental areas, so as to continue being a premier holiday destination in the Canary Islands.

Objectives of the Plan

This is an ambitious project with a £5 million investment over three years, which is financed by the Institute of Tourism of the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, the Regional Ministry of the Presidency and Tourism of the Canarian Government, the Island Government of Tenerife and the three City Halls of the valley. The project is being managed by the Promoción Exterior de Tenerife S.A.

The plan will aim to meet the needs of both the present and future tourist industry, while retaining the identity and respecting the personalities of each town in the valley. Local people have already experienced the gradual changes taking place; the improvements of the access roads to urban areas, the re-decoration of house exteriors and the extension of the green area.

The Tourist Development Plan supports a combination of factors that, along with quality hotels, will help the area to continue to attract visitors not only for the climate, but also for the cultural, historical and botanical interests.

Overall Plan

• Improvement in the quality of the surroundings, complementary equipment and services.
• Improvement of house facades and landscaping of access roads.
• Landscaping and embellishment of green areas.
• Improvement of the coastline and revitalisation of beach amenities.
• Improvement of tourist pathways and extension of the network of natural view points.
• Creation of walking circuits in the valley.
• Development and promotion of sports and leisure facilities.
• Promotion plan for tourism regarding the cultural aspects of the valley.
• Tourist sector standards training plan applicable to all public services.
• Acquisition of homogeneous public, facilities (benches, litter bins, etc.), for the three municipalities.

Puerto de la Cruz

• Extension of traffic-free zones and underground parking.
• Greater accessibility for the disabled.
• Extension of existing beaches and development of the necessary services.
• Reclamation of the Martianez coastline, including the extension of the beach and the provision of services, along with improvements to the promenade, and the additions of public facilities.
• Improvement of the nature path along the Tafuriaste gorge.
• Promotion of the Taoro Casino and Park as a multi-faceted centre for commerce and nature.
• Design, construction and installation of stands for the sale of traditional fish and seafood at the quayside, customary of old Canarian life.
• Creation of a cycle lane through the resort.
• Study for the aesthetic restoration of the Bel-Air building.
• Creation of a book to educate local school children on the historic tourist and public information of the town and its future.
• Hotel "Total Quality" plan, which directly links up with the Tourist Development Plan, with the aim of improving all aspects of accommodation facilities and services, including staff training.

Los Realejos

• The opening of the municipal network of viewpoints, such as El Lance, La Corona and Parque de la Union. Owing to its strategic position (it is an obligatory passing point for anyone travelling the tourist routes of the central areas in the north of Tenerife), El Lance has gradually become one of the most important places in the north of the Island for observing the landscape.
• Improvement and development of existing paths to create a network of walking paths along the coast and the rural interior. Where necessary, new routes will be defined for the creation of a walker's trail along the entire coast, joining up with different tourist areas.
• Publication of a guidebook to promote cultural tourism highlighting the art, historic and botanical interests of the area.
• Promotion of activities relating to Nature, recovery and promotion of rural customs.
• Development of new beach facilities and services at Playa del Socorro, including parking area.

La Orotava

• Restoration of the historic buildings in the town's old quarter.
• Publication of a guidebook to promote the wealth of history and art in the area, along with the town's own historical origin and development.
• Promotion of traditional activities of a cultural and artistic nature.
• Widening of and improvement to Humboldt's viewpoint, with the replacement of typical plant species and the construction of a service building.
• Restoration and conversion of the former San Agustin Convent for use as an Art Centre.
• Restoration of the historic gardens, including the beautiful Victoria Gardens.