The city of Marbella, Spain is set to become a venue for cruise ships, according to news from the Costa del Sol. The idea is to enlarge the Marina-La Bajadilla port so that medium sized cruise ships can dock there. The plan has been on hold for several years, but it looks as if it will finally move forward and would suit tourists arriving on last minute cruises.
The mayor of Marbella, ÃÂngeles Muñoz, recently met in Madrid with the director general of the coastal authority and it appears as if the government will approve the expanded facilities. She said after the meeting that ââ¬ÅThis is great news for our municipality, we have waited many years for the project that not only permits us to enlarge the number of yacht moorings but also to cater for cruises ââ¬â and it will be a major economic investment.ââ¬Â
Once the Spanish government passes the authority to the regional government, the Andalucian Department of Public Works will put out a tender for the project, which is slated to cost ââ¬52 million. Mayor Muñoz wants the project included in this legislature of the regional government so that it will start before 2012. She said that ââ¬ÅWe want to make it a priority project for the town and for the team of government so that we can enlarge the port as soon as possible.ââ¬Â
The plans approved last year will allow cruise ships of up to 60 meters to visit the port. There will also be 650 yacht moorings, which could be increased later to 1,000.