Benidorm is gearing up for a heightened security presence, including the deployment of riot police, in preparation for the upcoming World Cup event, a popular destination among British tourists.
The town council of this Costa Blanca resort has revealed plans for increased police patrols during the evenings and nights, anticipating a surge in UK visitors who have opted to travel to Spain to watch the tournament due to exorbitant prices for accommodation and tickets in the US.
Many England supporters are expected to gather in popular venues like bars, clubs, and restaurants in Benidorm to enjoy the matches under the sunny skies. Additionally, horse racing enthusiasts, discouraged by the high costs of events like the Cheltenham Festival, have increasingly chosen Benidorm in recent years for its affordable beer deals and pleasant weather.
Local authorities have reported a substantial increase in air travel capacity of over 16% leading up to the commencement of the World Cup. Plans for a comprehensive security operation in Benidorm during the tournament period, from June 11 to July 19, have been officially disclosed following a recent meeting between police officials and council members.
A spokesperson for the Benidorm Town Council confirmed the reinforcement of police presence, including both local officers and National Police units, during the tournament dates. The National Police unit assigned to the area consists of well-trained officers specializing in maintaining public order and handling security concerns at major events.
Jesus Carrobles, the Councillor for Citizen Security and Public Service in Benidorm, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during large-scale sporting events, as they draw significant crowds to public spaces and entertainment venues. The surge in airline bookings to Alicante, particularly from the UK, suggests a substantial influx of tourists and football fans during the World Cup period.
Recent reports indicate a surge in flight bookings to Benidorm as an alternative to expensive World Cup travel packages to the US, one of the tournament’s host countries. Airlines have noted a significant increase in reservations, with some travel companies offering competitive deals to attract visitors to Benidorm over the summer.
Apart from Benidorm, other popular destinations like Magaluf in Majorca and the Costa del Sol are also expected to draw football fans from England and Scotland, further highlighting the appeal of these areas during major sporting events.
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