In the first of its educationals for 1999, Thomson took 30 Lunn Poly staff to Spain in March to sample Benidorm. The group was based in the resort for 5 nights and toured hotels, self-catering and all-inclusive properties, as well as sampling typical tourist excursions and activities. We asked three for their impressions before and after the trip.
Before: I had never been to mainland Spain before and had mixed feelings about it. I knew some people who would just never go there and others who went year after year. My daughter had been to Torremolinos and really loved it but I thought that Benidorm, as an older resort, might be a bit run down. I didn’t really sell many holidays to Benidorm – it just wasn’t a place that came to mind unless a client specifically asked for it.
After: My first impressions were that the resort was a little dreary with a lot of high-rise buildings, but I soon discovered there is a lot more to it, including the original old town which still has a lot of character. The accommodation is really bright and clean and the facilities are excellent. There is a great deal to do, with plenty of bars and clubs, not just discos but places offering entertainment of every kind, from line-dancing to flamingo dancing. The beach is excellent -long and clean and with plenty of space – and inland the scenery is lovely and very traditionally Spanish. I am actively recommending Benidorm now and certainly think car hire is worth having if clients want to explore a little.
Ann Patterson, Sales Consultant, Lunn Poly, Cheadle, Age: 41
Before: I had been to the Costa del Sol, to Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza on my own holidays. I like Spain a lot – it’s close and relaxing with plenty of entertainment and bars and not too expensive. I thought Benidorm would be a bit different because it was an older, high-rise resort. But because I like Spain I still thought I would like it. We sell a lot of holidays to Spain but I didn’t recommend Benidorm specifically because I didn’t know much about it.
After: I was impressed. It was lovely. It is very much geared to the English and there is plenty to do. There were quite a lot of elderly people there for the winter but, even in March, there were also plenty of lively clubs and bars for younger people. There are a lot of high-rise hotels but the advantage of these are the fantastic views you get from your balcony. The glorious beach and the mountain backdrop make this a really nice spot. We went to an animal sanctuary at Guadalest and there is a good range of other excursions too. I’m talking about it a lot more now and expect to sell more in the coming season.
Debra Hopcroft, Sales Consultant, Lunn Poly, West Bromwich, Age: 39
Before: I had been to Minorca, Ibiza, the Costa Brava and Majorca before but not to Benidorm. I knew it was a place people either loved or hated and to be honest I didn’t really think it would be my kind of place. I wouldn’t have booked it for my family. Many people think it’s like a Spanish Blackpool, that it is high-rise, dirty, tacky and full of lager louts. I was rather apprehensive about going, but since some people really love it I thought it must have something going for it.
After: I would definitely go back with my own family. It is not like Blackpool at all. There are a lot of British and Irish bars but there are also a lot that are typically Spanish and within half an hour’s drive there is some lovely countryside. The beach is spotlessly clean and the bars and cafes along the front are lovely. The people are really friendly and there is a good mix between lively and quiet spots and easy sightseeing. I can imagine it would be pretty crowded in high season but I would certainly recommend it, even to those with very negative ideas about the place.
Claire Denton, Sales Consultant, Lunn Poly, Liverpool, Age: 23