The word is that things are looking up for 2007, presumably from a sporting perspective, for example. The human race generally places great hopes in all fresh beginnings, despite the lack of guarantees that our brainchild will not turn out to be a little contrary and mischievous. Whatever anyone might say, 2005 and 2006 were marked by a drop in the revenue of hotel establishments throughout Spain, including of course those of the Costa del Sol.

The Cordoba-born philosopher Seneca remarked that “Life is divided into three periods: present, past and future. Of these, the present is fleeting, the future doubtful, and the past certain.” According to this proposition, the present is no more than the ephemeral product of the path we have walked. But this baggage will allow us to change our uncertain future. Having learnt from the changes we have experienced, then, not only in the tourist sector, we are in a position to progress. It is for this reason that we at AEHCOS have made a firm commitment to new technology through the introduction of a web site of on-line booking service for our member establishments. And so, after FITUR, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, you will be able to book your holiday on the Costa del Sol from anywhere on the globe via the website www.alojamientocostadelsol.com. In just three simple steps, you will receive confirmation of your stay from the hotel itself.

If the future appeared to Seneca to be doubtful, and the past certain, no less certain is the transformation which will be taking place in the capital city of the Costa del Sol over the coming years, not only in the form of a revamped image, but in transport systems such as the new Metro, the Malaga-Madrid high-speed AVE train link, the new airport, expanded cultural facilities and much more besides, as detailed in our key report.

To all this must be added the Qualifica Plan, a project set up by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the eight cit y councils involved, along with professionals and business figures from the tourism sector on the Costa del Sol. It will serve as an epoch-making tool for this destination, and you, our tourists, will be the ones to benefit from its results.