The owner of the centrally located Hostal Belén will preside over the tourism association for the next three years.
Although chatting with him could lead to a prolific debate on structural questions about tourism and the hotel and catering industry, Joaquín Guillamó's priority is to "increase the number of members, because in Torrevieja and the surrounding area there could be close to a thousand establishments and 149 members are very few. It is necessary to tackle the disaffection that the areas furthest from the traditional centre have towards associationism. And even the involvement of the associates, as some of them do not even read the communications that reach them.
The turnout at the assembly was also low, with Guillamó obtaining 37 votes to 7 for his rival, Antonio Montero, as well as two blank votes. The membership fee is 21.34 euros per month and Guillamó will succeed José Antonio Lozano, of Restaurante El Puerto, whom he praises as "he has left us a healthy association financially and in all aspects. I have nothing but praise for him and his people. They have created new activities and have boosted existing ones, putting together a spectacular calendar. Maintaining this legacy would already be very positive. Lozano has been very concerned about the sector. I have spoken to him in various places and on various occasions and I have seen that.