The Association of Nautical Industries and Services of Ibiza and Formentera chaired by Ramón van der Hooft Ramon van der Hooft has expressed its concern about the imminent expiration of the concession of the marina Marina BotafochMarina Botafoch, since, with no clear date for the approval of the Special Plan for the Port of IbizaThey fear that the unavoidable investments that the harbor needs may not be able to materialize. This is what they have told the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands. Marina Botafoch, as La Voz de Ibiza advanced, is heading to a new transitory contest to award the exploitation of the dock from April. APB has not yet communicated the conditions that will govern the tender of the future AOT. The Ibiza Town Hall has not yet responded to the allegations presented to the Special Plan. The delay in the approval of the urbanistic instrument has faded the long term tender, which prioritizes the investment to the collection and that executes all the improvements contemplated in the same one for which the sector yearns. The businessmen do not want a new patch that does not address interventions that are essential with the excuse that there is no approved special plan.
Deteriorated infrastructure and reduced activity
The Association points out that the continued use of temporary concessions has led to a state of deterioration in the facilities of the marina. “The port has deficiencies in the sanitation, electrical and lighting networks,” they lament, stressing that the pavement is also in deteriorated condition, negatively affecting stores and restaurants operating in the area. In addition, they warn that, despite the high port fees, the quality of services does not correspond to the level that should be offered by one of the most expensive ports in the country. The president of the association, Ramon van der Hooftpoints out that this situation has led to a drop in the number of visitors, since most of them only come to the port to embark and disembark, without taking advantage of the gastronomic offer and the stores available.
Lack of moorings and exorbitant prices
One of the most pressing problems is the lack of moorings, which has generated a disproportionate increase in prices. According to the association, this damages the image of the port and reduces its attractiveness as a destination for both nautical tourism and locals. Given this scenario, the Association urges the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) to be rigorous in drafting the specifications for future concessions. ” It is essential to prioritize the adequacy of sanitation and lighting networks, improving the pavement and pontoons, as well as the overall cleanliness and commercial aspect of the port, above the economic fee offered,” insists the association. For the marine industry, it is essential that the bidding process provides for a long term to encourage investment by new concessionaires. This would revitalize the port and attract the public again, enhancing both the nautical activity and the commercial and gastronomic. The Association concludes by stressing that only a comprehensive improvement of the port will get the port of Marina Botafoch regain its attractiveness and return to being a benchmark in the Mediterranean.
