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Issue 560
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THE EXCLUSIVE RTN Golf Club gets its official launch today (Friday) and the membership list is thrown open to get everyone playing at a price they can afford.
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NORTH EDITION
Benidorm in the pink JULY 9 -15 2010
by Jack Troughton PLANS TO restore the fortunes of Benidorm as one of Europe’s top holiday resorts include extending a warm welcome to the gay community. Far-sighted Mayor Agustin Navarro believes the city can successfully play the regeneration game and promote itself as a ‘must visit’ destination for everyone -young and old, gay and straight. He has pledged town hall support for a series of private initiatives that will bring people to Benidorm and help revitalise its economy. Historically, the resort was a ground breaking destination for the gay community – its first clubs and bars opened in the Old Town during the Franco era, when homosexuality was outlawed. And the mayor gave RTN an exclusive interview as Spain celebrated Gay Pride – and the Rainbow Flag fluttered from a town hall balcony, symbolising how Benidorm was officially ‘gay friendly’. COMMUNITY
(left to right) Nicholas Caballero, Mayor Augustin Navarro and Geoff Gartland
“We wanted to do something, something extra, for the gay community,” he explained. “Other cities do things for the gay scene but there is nothing here. “There are new initiatives being supported by the town hall – this summer we are promoting things for young people; they are not exclusively for gays but have a wide appeal. “We hope to do this every year and make sure we can compete with other tourist destinations so holidaymakers come to Benidorm. continued on page 3
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