n We’ve had at least two record-breaking
years for tourist numbers, so why is the
unemployment rate still so high?
The unemployment rate has more to do with the collapse of the
construction sector than with tourism. Many people came to the island to
work in the building trade, but when that failed there was no other sector
for them to go to. That´s not tourism´s fault.
n Is construction on the increase?
There’s certainly some big projects happening in the near future, and I
think the sector will see signs of growth. But one thing is sure – we aren´t
going to return to the boom days.
n Which big projects are you talking about?
Firstly, there´s work scheduled at the port at Los Marmoles – simply to
renovate it and extend it. The same thing will be happening this year with
the extension of Playa Blanca harbour, and we very much hope that the
airport extension gets under way as well. There´ll be a longer runway and
the terminals will be unified.
n Why is the airport project so important?
Lanzarote airport has the eighth largest amount of traffic in Spain and is
one of only ten airports in the country that make a profit. We need to
extend to compete and to improve services, as well as to comply with
European directives.
To be continued? Lanzarote Airport’s runway needs extending
n Is bureaucracy an obstacle to the
formation of new businesses?
Not as much as it used to be. Apart from classified activities, which need to be
controlled for security reasons, I think it´s now a lot easier to set up in business.
It´s important also to remember that most of the bureaucracy is dictated by
national government, not at a regional level.
n How else can you help small businesses
and start ups?
We´re already running a “business nursery”, which is nurturing a range of startups in a range of sectors, from services to technology. We can also offer training
courses and help with business planning – it´s important to know that something
is viable before you do it, and we can help there.
n Is the Chamber for or
against the oil prospections?
We haven´t taken sides. I think our role is more comparable to a UN observer
in this matter. What we have done is fully support the drive for renewable power
– we’ve campaigned for electrical points to recharge electric cars and hybrids,
and we´re very involved in the plan to make La Graciosa 100% sustainable in a
few years time, too.
n Are there any other projects that the
Chamber thinks are crucial?
Very many. We need a venue to host trade fairs, concerts, and conventions in
Arrecife. In the tourist resorts we want to see that public land is well used and
that unfinished works in areas like Costa Teguise are tackled. It´s also clear that
Arrecife is undergoing a renaissance. We´ve already seen the new marina and the
re-opening of the history museum, but soon many other historical centres, such
as the Casa de Agustin de la Hoz and the Almacén arts centre, will re-open, and
hopefully something will be done about the island behind the Gran Hotel.
n Is the chamber open to everybody?
Of course, we work with businesses and the self-employ VB