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THE INDEPENDENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER WITH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS
EDITION 638
FRIDAY 8th NOVEMBER TO THURSDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2019 MOVIES AT ...
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CANARIES TO KEEP ITS FIVE MILLION BRITS IN NEW “FRIENDSHIP” CAMPAIGN
OURISM chiefs in the Canary Islands have pledged to protect the British market no matter what happens with Brexit and the aftermath of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla says 2019 will close “very close to the five million British tourists of last year” and is relaying the message: “‘Whatever happens, friends will be friends.” This was the slogan taken to the World Travel Market in London between November 4th and 6th to highlight “the historic link between the United Kingdom and the islands, as well as the success of the archipelago as a tourist destination in this country.” “In a scenario marked by the recent bankruptcy of British tour operator Thomas Cook, as well as the new extension of Brexit, uncertainty is generated in our main tourism market that can affect reserves, so it’s time to be present with a campaign, ” she said. “We want to remind the British that we have always
been their favourite destination.” The campaign is expected to reach more than 32 million impacts in the United Kingdom and will hit the digital media in November and December. During the World Travel Market, the islands were represented by more than 350 professionals from all over the archipelago and with a stand of almost 800 square metres co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Prior to London, Yaiza Castilla met in Madrid with the United Kingdom ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott. During the meeting, which both described as fruitful, a mutual commitment was established to work together and in coordination to offer solutions to the effects that may have on British tourism
issues such as Brexit or the Thomas Cook crisis. “We will continue working to overcome the obstacles that arise and enable new formulas that allow fluidity if necessar y, in order to reinforce the familiarity that both peoples have always had, and that I hope, we will continue to have in the future,” said the Minister. Mr. Elliott described the meeting as “constructive and positive” and said British booking in the Canaries remained stable despite the uncertainty that many of the issues mentioned could cause. Tenerife was also represented at the World Travel Fair with air connectivity being the main focus. More than 50 meetings were held with the likes of Easyjet Holidays, Advantage Travel, TUI United Kingdom, Jet2 Holidays, British Airways and Norwegian airlines. A Brexit message from Hugh Elliott. See page 3.
BUNDLES OF HASHISH FOUND ON POPULAR BEACHES
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OLICE have been investigating the discovery of 140 kilos of hashish washed up on the coastline, yet more evidence of the beaches of Tenerife being used for drug trafficking. The four bundles, of about 35 kilos each, were found between the Pelada Mountain and the beach of Leocadio Machado on the coast of El Médano. Members of the Local Police of Granadilla and the Civil Guard are heading the investigation but, as yet, no arrests have been made. The first three packages, marked by the traffickers with the initials “MRK”, were located south of the Granadilla
Industrial Estate, specifically between the Pelada Mountain and the Leocadio Machado Beach. One of the large packages was found by municipal agents, another by the Civil Guard, while the remaining two were found by residents who warned the security body, without touching them. The coastal strip of the southeast of the island, between the border of Arico with Granadilla and El
Médano, has been for years a habitual area of hashish landing, which usually arrives in semi-rigid boats from Morocco. It is not yet known if the packages with drugs had any connection with the small boat that arrived at Los Cristianos beach early last Friday without having been detected by the security forces and that hours later was withdrawn by Arona council staff. The hashish tablets were covered with several wrappers to prevent deterioration, while the bale was protected by a caanvas to which a handle was added for easy transport.
Yaiza Castilla with Hugh Elliott
Tragedy with new wave of pateras
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HE Canary Islands have once again been shocked by a new wave of arrival of illegal immigrants trying to get into Spain via tiny boats from Morocco.
There has been a succession of arrivals over the last few weeks, with women and babies on board, and yet again, some of the occupants not surviving the hazardous journey. At least four people have died in the recent journeys. Gran Canaria and Lanzarote have been the main destinations, with the Government of the Canary Islands admitting it is very concerned about this new spate. The latest arrival saw 19 men in one small boat arrive in Maspalomas. It was intercepted by the police and no-one was harmed. More than 1,400 migrants have so far tried to get to the Canaries this year.