Bullring conversion Stags and hens

STAGS and hens are ditching Dublin for Benidorm - because the booze is ‘10 times cheaper’, according to Last Night of Freedom.

The budget-friendly Spanish resort has leapfrogged the Irish capital this year to be crowned the EU’s most popular stag do destination.

An industry expert believes Dublin’s demise is down to the “eye-watering” price of a pint. “A beer in Temple Bar can set you back €10, while in Benidorm you can pick up the same pint for €1,” said Matt Mavir, Managing Director of Last Night of Freedom.

Figures supplied by the firm

BENIDORM: Bookings have more than doubled this year.

- Britain’s leading stag and hen party provider - show trips to Dublin are down by around 15 per cent this year. However Benidorm bookings have more than doubled as stags and hens flock to the

Credit: Last Night Of Freedom

Costa

According to Matt, Benidorm’s boom could be worth a staggering €40 million a year to the resort’s economy - while trips are forecast to double again in 2024.

3, 2, 1… Action!

A WAR thriller filmed by award-winning British director Guy Ritchie in Villajoyosa is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

The Covenant features a climax scene shot at Amadorio reservoir, as well as exterior footage filmed in different locations throughout Alicante Province. The film stars Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and was premiered in the States in April. It is inspired by reallife events following the evacuation of US troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 and based on direct testimonies of soldiers.

More than 100 people in- cluding actors and crew took part in the secret filming over several weeks at Amadorio reservoir for the final scene that also features practical and digital special effects.

Prime Video currently has more than 6.6 million subscribers according to figures released by the platform for 2022, which means the recognisable Villajoyosa landmark will be seen in thousands of households all over the world.

The Covenant has also arrived at cinemas in more than 25 countries, but in Spain will only be screened on the online streaming platform.

WORK is underway to transform Ondara bullring into a permanent multi-purpose events space. The local council last week launched a project to adapt the installations and bring them into line with current regulations to house all kinds of shows and events without having to request special permits each time.

Ondara Maintenance councillor Miguel Gomis announced that the first measure being carried out is the installation of a fire prevention system with water hydrants, which as of this year is obligatory for bull-running and bullfights, as well as all other types of events.

Sr Gomis added that work will be completed in time for the local fiestas in July.

7.2m

Number of international tourists in Spain in April 2023.