Latest news with #Alicante-ElcheAirport
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Popular Spanish city with strict curfew rules in place - what it means for Brits
In a huge blow to sun-worshipping Brits, a huge Spanish city has unveiled a strict curfew impacting bars, nightclubs, and restaurants - following noise complaints from fed-up locals Brits are being warned of a brutal clampdown in one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Last year, a staggering 18 million international visitors passed through Alicante-Elche Airport - located on the southeastern stretch of the iconic Costa Blanca region - marking a 16.8 per cent spike compared to 2023. While droves of these passengers will have left the city on cramped coaches heading over to party-mad resorts like Benidorm, almost five million chose to stay in the city for their holiday. Famed for its sugar-like sand, rich history and eclectic range of shops - there's no denying Alicante's mass appeal. Here, you'll find the Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town of Santa Cruz, the bustling Central Market, and half a dozen golden beaches. However, following a series of noise complaints from fed-up locals - authorities green-lighted a strict curfew ahead of the peak summer season. The ruling, which impacts bars and restaurants, means establishments will have to close at 12.30am on weekdays. They will be allowed to stay open slightly later (1am) on Fridays, Saturdays, and on the eve of national holidays. Nightclubs will also be given permission to stay open a little later, but must still close their doors at 1am during weekdays and at 3am on the weekend. Those dining outside on terraces will also be impacted by the crackdown, as Alicante is slashing its al-fresco seating by half. According to local press, customers will be asked to leave their table 30 minutes ahead of closing time. The curfew, which will be a huge blow to Brits wanting to dance the night away, applies to two areas of Alicante City that have been designated as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS). This includes parts of the Old Town as well as the area around Calle Castaños, which was previously known for its 'lively' nightlife. The Independent reports that police will be enforcing the rules and helping 'disperse revellers from the area'. It is said the ruling will also have an impact on 24-hour shops that cash in on drunken Brits desperate for a nightcap, as they will also need to comply with the curfew. Alicante's crackdown follows escalating anti-tourist sentiment that has grappled the country in recent months. Last year, a slew of protests erupted across the country as angry residents blamed Brits for Spain's worsening housing crisis. The movement's momentum has continued into this summer season, with more demonstrations to take place in Spanish hotspots this month (June 15). As previously reported the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth, which is behind the action, has been encouraging protestors to bring water pistols to target holidaymakers and get their message across.
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brit tourist 'vanishes in Spain' after missing his plane home from Benidorm holiday
Friends and family of Tim Wager, 39, are "very worried" after he arrived at Alicante-Elche Airport on Tuesday evening at around 9pm but failed to return home back to England A British tourist has reportedly vanished in Spain after missing his flight home from his holiday - as his desperate family pleads for his return. Friends and family of Tim Wager, 39, are "very worried" after he arrived at Alicante-Elche Airport on Tuesday evening at around 9pm but failed to return home to England. Initially, they believed his mobile phone may have died and that he was on the returning flight. However, his phone had been "dead for two days", according to a social media appeal. The missing appeal states: "Tim arrived at Alicante Airport at 9pm near the Bus Stop/Taxi Ranks. His phone was tracked up to this point. "His family presumed he left his phone on a bus or taxi and thought he was flying back. Tim hasn't arrived back in England and his phone has now been dead for two days." "Tim can be vulnerable when drinking," it added, "he is traveling alone and most likely to be in or around Alicante Airport... his family are very worried." A concerned family member told a local Benidorm group on social media that Tim was staying at the BH Los Angeles Hotel. The British Foreign Office has been contacted for comment. It comes after a missing Brit was found after he vanished on a night out in Madrid. Edinburgh University history student Gregor Thomson, 21, was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday, less than a full day after arriving with his rugby club teammates for a weekend trip abroad. Dad Murray, who landed in Spain following his disappearance, issued the good news that he had been found, saying: "Just landed in Madrid and received the good news Gregor is safe. I'm still not sure what happened. Just very relieved." Murray had pleaded for his return after he became separated from his pals just a day after arriving. He said: "No one's heard from Gregor since the early hours of Saturday morning and we're obviously all extremely worried. He had only arrived in Madrid around 9.30am on Friday with rugby teammates for a weekend away. "We've been told he became separated from them in a bar called Diverzo Cocktail Bar. They'd obviously had a few drinks so things are a little bit hazy but the people he was with say he wasn't talking to anyone else or doing anything out of the ordinary that might explain a disappearance like this. "My son is a sensible lad and he's never gone missing like this before. The police are involved and are doing everything they can including trying to get hold of CCTV in the area where he was last seen for clues." He added: "Gregor was staying in a hostel with the other lads who are also helping out as much as they can. His phone is dead and we don't know if he still has it with him. He had his wallet on him. They are all due to fly back home tomorrow around lunchtime."
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Mystery as Brit tourist vanishes in Spain after missing his plane home from Benidorm holiday - as family launches urgent appeal for help
The family of a British man are 'very worried' after he failed to catch his flight home three days ago. An appeal has been launched to find Tim Wager, 39, who arrived at Alicante-Elche Airport at around 9pm on Tuesday. The appeal said: 'Tim arrived at Alicante Airport at 9pm near the Bus Stop/Taxi Ranks. 'His phone was tracked up to this point. His family presume he left his phone on a bus or taxi and thought he was flying back. 'Tim hasn't arrived back in England and his phone has now been dead for two days.' 'Tim can be vulnerable when drinking,' it added, 'he is traveling alone and most likely to be in or around Alicante Airport... his family are very worried.' An appeal has been launched to find Tim Wager, 39, who arrived at Alicante-Elche Airport at around 9pm on Tuesday 'Tim hasn't arrived back in England and his phone has now been dead for two days,' worried family said A family member told a local Benidorm group on Facebook that Tim was staying at the BH Los Angeles Hotel The last pinged location of Tim's phone was closer to the resort of Benidorm, according to the appeal. A family member told a local Benidorm group on Facebook that Tim was staying at the BH Los Angeles Hotel. The British Embassy has been contacted for comment. News of Tim's disappearance comes after the body of a British national washed up on a beach in the Spanish coastal last week. Jeff Duffield was found dead on April 23, just hours after his wife had alerted the police and reported him missing on social media. Police were initially unable to identify the body, which was found without any identification, but confirmation of Mr Duffield's death was shared by his family on social media. 'We have unfortunately found out that Jeff has passed away,' a relative confirmed on Facebook. 'Thank you for all your lovely comments and please allow my mam the privacy she deserves. 'Not the usual happy post I imagine this group is used to so I apologise.' The update was greeted with sadness by friends of Mr Duffield. Benidorm tourist Jeff Duffield was found dead on Wednesday evening, just hours after his wife had alerted the police that he was missing 'Very sad news today to hear about the passing of a top lad and dedicated family man and old friend,' wrote one friend of Mr Duffield on social media Mr Duffield's death comes after the body of fellow Benidorm tourist John George was discovered in January. Mr George was reported missing after failing to board his flight home 'Very sad news today to hear about the passing of a top lad and dedicated family man and old friend,' wrote one person. Mr Duffield's wife had previously shared an anguished appeal for help with the group. 'My husband Jeff Duffield has been missing in Benidorm since 12.30 23/04/2025,' she wrote. 'I've reported it to police if anyone sees him please could you contact me, I'm worried sick. Thank you.' The discovery of a body was confirmed by Spanish National Police the following day. It is understood that the family did not approach the British Foreign Office for assistance. Initial reports suggest that Mr Duffield's death is not being treated as suspicious.
