Girona Airport - Ryanair

Since the dispute between the Catalan government and the lowcost airline Ryanair its been reported that hotel bookings in Lloret de Mar and surrounding areas are well down for the Easter period and beyond. The Catalan Government have asked Ryanair for more time to decide on their available budget for 2011 before signing on the dotted line, but it seems Ryanair have given up on the negotiations.

Filming in Lloret Casino

Filming has now begun in the casino and around Lloret de Mar for the new film 'Los Pelayo'
400 extras were chosen for scenes from those who turned up for auditions back in January. The film is a true story about a family who travelled the world playing the casinos, using their mathematical skills to reap millions from the roulette tables. The crew and cast will be in Lloret for the next 3 weeks staying at local hotels. If all goes to plan the film will be released next year.

Girona Airport

The recently reported new 5 year deal between Girona airport and Ryanair has collapsed, meaning the airline now will cease to operate many of it destinations at the airport blaming the Catalan government for not honouring its agreement.
From as early as the end of February Ryanair is to start cutting 18 of it 64 routes and reduce frequencies on 17 other routes. You can read the full story over at Ryanair

Lloret Carnival 2011

The Lloret de Mar Carnival agenda has some thing for all ages....whether your young or old your sure to enjoy the atmosphere this annual event brings to the town.
Here's a guide to whats on over the Carnival week-end...

Friday 4th March 6pm you can see the Carnival King arrive at the Town Hall, followed by dancing for all those present, and for everyone in Fancy dress a nice helping of Catalan sausage and beans.

Saturday 5th There will be a fancy dress competion for all ages, taking place at 11am - 1.30pm. A new event is taking place between 10am - 1pm at the Town Hall square, there will a make-up and hairdressing exhibition - this will involve members of the public, so come along you may get a free make over! At 4pm you can see the first of the 2 Fantastic Carnival parades, be sure to get a good viewing spot by the side the the road for this!
There is a ladies dance in the Evenia Olympic Resort Hotel at 11.30pm. (free entrance)

Sunday 6th The second parade takes place around the town at 12 noon.

Then at 5pm there is a childrens show and fancy dress parade taking place at Evenia Olympic Resort Hotel, again free entrance.At 11pm is another dance this time for the grown ups! the awards for the Carnival will be given out during the interval of the dance.

Fingers crossed for good weather!

Lloret de Mar Carnival 2011

One of this week ends events is linked to the annual Carnival due to take place during the first week of March. There will be a sale of second hand fancy dress costumes taking place in front of the Town Hall between the hours of 10am - 8pm on Saturday 19th Feb.

Lloret de Mar Tourism

Owing to the conflict in Egypt and Tunisia its hoped that the Lloret de Mar and the Costa Brava tourism trade could be given a much needed boost. Those who have booked holidays to the troubled destinations will now be looking elsewhere to take their holidays as just now there is no way of telling how long the unrest will last.

Just recently it seems that the Canary Isles are seeing a slight increase of visitors, but mainland Spain are expecting to see more trade coming their way at Easter especially with the holiday week-end falling later this year.

Lloret de Mar Carnival 2011

Its nearly Carnival time again in Lloret de Mar, a little later than usual so hopefully the weather will stay dry and warm for all the events. This is a fantastic event and brings a great atmosphere to the town. If your lucky enough to be here during the first week in March you really must see the colourful parades, the first of the two parades will be on Saturday 5th March at 4pm, and the second one will be on Sunday at 12noon. This is one of the best yearly events in Lloret and really shouldnt be missed!
I'll give a complete run down of other things which are going on in town over the Carnival week-end  nearer the date.

Lloret de Mar Tourism

Its been reported in the local press that tourism in Lloret during 2010 saw a slight recovery.  On average the hotels had a 75% occupancy, just a small rise on figures from 2009. The majority of visitors were Catalan and Spanish, along with others from all over Europe.
Hotel owners are pleased that Lloret de Mar is not only dependant on visitors of just one or two Nationalities, and that the town is still a popular holiday destination....although the stays are very much shorter than previous years.

So the town believes that because the hotels are doing well things are looking good .... not if you get out and about and talk to the bar owners and other business owners in town they're not!