Pensioners' paradise

the presence of the pensioners is a godsend

Lucky Spanish pensioners get a massively subsidised holiday courtesy of the state every year. For lots of hotels in the country the presence of the pensioners is a godsend – they fill many places that would probably be empty in the off season and therefore make a contribution to overheads and even profits.

Benidorm hoteliers are in a similar position – they want the pensioners to come – but they'd like the government to pay a little bit more for their accommodation. Every senior citizen on one of these holidays gets a room, three square meals a day including water and wine, and in many cases a full daily entertainment programme. In return the hotel receives an unbelievable €15 which has not even increased over the last few years in line with the cost of living index.

To make matters worse, hotels in areas of cultural or natural interest, get €30 per pensioner and only provide half board. The hotels currently have meetings lined up with the men from the ministry with the aim of increasing the price to €20. We wish them luck – anybody who can put up with the noise of hundreds of old Spanish people in the same place deserves every cent they get, and a medal.

1 November 2006 Stephen White.