Encuentro Empresarial: A Productive Meeting for the Future of Fuerteventura’s Business Sector

On March 31, 2023, a productive meeting called Encuentro Empresarial took place at Hotel Riu Palace Tres Islas in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, hosted by Ayuntamiento de La Oliva and spearheaded by Mayor Pilar Gonzalez Segura. The subject of the meeting was “The future of the business sector depends on establishing common objectives and the need to continue with the strategy and marked projects.” The event aimed to bring together entrepreneurs and stakeholders of the island to discuss the current state and future of the business sector in Fuerteventura.

The meeting saw the mayoress share the developments and progress taken place in the municipality of La Oliva, in the north of Fuerteventura. She highlighted the need to establish common objectives to ensure the future growth and success of the business sector. Accompanying her were Marcelino Umpierrez – concejal de Turismo de La Oliva along with Antonio Hormiga, President of ASOFUER (Asociacion de Empresarios de Fuerteventura) that welcomed a round of productive questions and constructive debate.

The meeting was attended by entrepreneurs and movers and shakers of the island, including Gustavo Astrada of Fuerte Gourmet Association, Representatives and builders of Origo Mare Complex of Majanicho, Karym Kabbouri of Sand Beach, Lahoucine of Excursion Centre, Varsha Krishnani and Santiago Hormiga of Amazzzing Travel, Deseos App, Galera Beach, and Fuerteventura Startups along with Akanksha Krishnani of the vacation rental design company Art-throng. There were 30 select guests in attendance.

The discussion covered several topics of importance to the business sector in Fuerteventura.

Here are some of the key points discussed during the meeting:

  • The entrance of Corralejo on how to beautify it: The entrance to Corralejo needs to be made more attractive to tourists to help boost the economy of the region. One suggestion was to create a welcoming atmosphere through the use of vegetation, sculptures and other artworks.
  • The beaches, the sun beds, the permissions with Coast: There was a discussion about the current regulations regarding the use of sun beds on the beaches of La Oliva, and the importance of ensuring that all necessary permissions are obtained from the Coast.
  • The delays of Cabildo de Fuerteventura in bureaucracy that directly affect La Oliva: The issue of bureaucracy and the delays it causes in the implementation of projects was also discussed. There was an agreement that efforts should be made to streamline the process and reduce the waiting times for approvals.
  • The construction of Miranda Centre Centro Commercial: This has been a debris of old construction which the mayor promised at the meeting that the work will start after a decade of conflict, which rightfully has started in full swing. The Miranda Centre is an important commercial center for the region and its reconstruction is expected to give a boost to the local economy.
  • Beautification of the roundabouts, infusion of culture, art installations: One way to make the region more attractive to tourists is by beautifying the roundabouts and using them as a platform to showcase the region’s culture and heritage through the use of art installations.
  • On gastronomy and events: The meeting also discussed the need to promote local gastronomy and cultural events to attract more tourists to the region.
  • Camping and its laws and permissions as more than 1000 caravans come here: As more tourists are choosing to camp in the region, there is a need to establish clear laws and regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of the campers, as well as to protect the environment.
  • Lack of homes for new workforce in hospitality: The lack of affordable housing in the region is a major issue, particularly for those working in the hospitality sector. There was a discussion about the need to develop affordable housing options to attract and retain workers.
  • No port for big boats to come whereas Fuerteventura could be a great stop for people sailing the charco and crossing the Atlantic which now go to Lanzarote: The lack of a port for big boats was identified as a missed opportunity for the region, as it could attract more tourists who are interested in sailing and exploring the region’s coastlines.
  • Strategies to reduce the license of vacation rentals or ways to exercise more control on the quality, aesthetics and responsibility towards sustainability: There was a discussion about the need to regulate the vacation rental industry to ensure that the properties meet certain standards of quality, aesthetics and sustainability, as well as to reduce the overall number of licenses issued to protect the local housing market.

Overall, the Encuentro Empresarial was a productive and insightful meeting, where key stakeholders and business leaders came together to discuss the future of the region’s economy and how to make La Oliva a more attractive and sustainable destination for tourists.

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