The decision made by the Orihuela council to split the beach bar contract into separate lots has proved to be a disaster.
The residents of Punta Prima, Cala Mosca, and Cala Estaca in Orihuela are facing another summer without their beloved chirunguitos. The city council’s decision to restart the tender process for Lot 1, which includes these three popular beaches, has cast a shadow over the upcoming season.
The root of the problem lies in the previous administration’s decision to split the beach bar contract into multiple lots in January 2023. While this move was intended to maximize revenue, it has inadvertently led to significant challenges in securing operators for all lots, particularly Lot 1.
The first three bidders for Lot 1 were disqualified due to incomplete documentation. The fourth and final bidder has now also been rejected, although, according to the Spanish press, he has not yet been notified, leaving the beaches without a bar operator. This unfortunate turn of events has raised concerns among local businesses and residents, who rely on the beach bars for both tourism and local employment.
The Punta Pirma beach bar, according to experts in the local hospitality sector, is one of the highest-grossing of all those on the Orihuela coast.
The delayed tender process and subsequent disqualifications have created uncertainty about the future of these iconic beach bars. It remains unclear as to how long the new tender process will take and, indeed, whether the beaches will have bars open for the upcoming summer season. This prolonged absence of beach bars not only impacts the local economy but also diminishes the overall appeal of the area for tourists and residents alike.
The city council must now take swift action to expedite the tender process and ensure that suitable operators are selected for Lot 1. Transparent and efficient decision-making is crucial to avoid further delays and disappointments.
In Pilar de la Horadada, a situation similar to that of Orihuela has also occurred. In the neighbouring municipality, several lots were left without a bidder and the Pilar City Council has just published a new public tender to offer them once again for the coming summer
