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THE INDEPENDENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER WITH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS
FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY TO THURSDAY 9th MARCH 2017 TV GUIDE
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PAGES 25 -32
EDITION 570 PAGES 49 -56
FORTNIGHTLY SUPPLEMENT F
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Freak accident HOTELIERS SOUND EARLY WARNING AGAINST leads to abseiling death ANY TOURIST TAX
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47-year-old French woman has drowned after she became trapped in a rock pool whilst abseiling in Tenerife.
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OTEL leaders in the Canary Islands have once again sounded a resounding “no” as debate reopens on the possibility of introducing a tourist tax. Ashotel says this would be a huge mistake for the archipelago and says it should NOT be contemplated. The calls to impose a socalled ecotax, which other holiday islands such as the Balearics now have, is being led by two political parties, Nueva Canarias (NC) and the Partido Nacionalista Canario (PNC). President of Ashotel, Jorge Marichal has warned that such a tourist tax would reduce the competitiveness of the Canary Islands at a time when visitor numbers are booming but other destinations hit by security fears are on the point of bouncing back. “We will not tire of saying that a tourist tax is a huge mistake, precisely at a time when the sector is experiencing very positive behaviour, with a record in the arrival of tourists, spending and job creation,” said Sr. Marichal.
The Balearics, which include Majorca and Ibiza, reintroduced their tourist tax last summer but had previously tried before and then withdrew it. Sr. Marichal said: “The Balearics are a clear example of how the tourist rate did not work.” Those holiday destinations that do have a tourist tax usually charge about two euros a day per adult, payable either on arrival or departure. Ashotel says it cannot understand how the two parties could champion the cause whilst at the same time welcoming the announcement by the Spanish Government that airport rates are to be reduced. Sr. Marichal said an ecotax would turn the Canaries into an unfriendly destination. The hotel group has welcomed an announcement by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the
Government of the Canary Islands, Mariate Lorenzo that an ecotax is not on the
agenda and he agreed that if implemented, it would affect competitiveness.
The tragedy happened in a rocky ravine area known as the Barranco de la Pimentera in Buenavista del Norte. The emergency services said it appeared the victim suffered a problem with her ropes, fell into a pool of water and suffocated. A rescue helicopter was sent out to the mountainous area, together with police and the Civil Guard, as well as a second medical helicopter. Health personnel in the area tried to revive the woman who was in cardiac arrest. Their efforts continued when the emergency helicopter
Shocking scenes as police raid dog fights
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OLICE in Tenerife have swooped on clandestine dog fighting in incidents which have caused widespread shock and outrage.
Illegal dog fighting is said to be an “open secret” in the Canary Islands despite efforts by animal campaigners to have it stamped out once and for all. Raids were carried out over the weekend in Guimar and Arona, with distressing scenes being encountered by the officers. They found dead dogs and animals with severe wounds, many of which were said to have been trained to kill. There is also concern that some of the dogs used were deliberately stolen. The fights included a betting operation. At this stage, it is not known
how many raids were made or where but the most visible was at a rural finca in Guimar when 30 suspects were arrested. There was a large security device involving police cars and helicopters
and one of the officers was injured. The dogs in the fights, many of them with injuries, have been transferred to animal shelters with the help of volunteers. Animal groups have condemned such a practice in a modern society and have called for very strict penalties.
airlifted the victim to the main road and after landing but without success. The woman was declared dead. A full investigation is now underway to find out what happened.
Brit released on bail
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27-year-old British man has been released on bail after another Brit, aged 36, died in hospital following an alleged fight in Puerto de Santiago.
The suspect had originally been held in custody immediately after the incident which happened either inside or in front of a local hotel. It has been reported that a brawl broke out as a result of an argument between two couples. Investigations are continuing and no charges have at this moment been made.