Arona Socialists Demand Urgent Recovery Plan for Declining 'Golden Mile' Tourist Hub

The decline of public spaces in Arona’s top tourist spots has sparked a new political debate. The Socialist Group in the City Council claims that the "Golden Mile" in Playa de las Américas is in such poor condition that it is hurting the area's appeal to visitors. This criticism comes as the local government—a coalition of the Popular Party, Coalición Canaria, and Vox—faces pressure following Vox’s entry into the executive team in early 2025.

Socialist councilors, led by former mayor José Julián Mena and Frank Tolle, are calling for an urgent "Recovery Plan." After visiting the area and speaking with local business owners, they identified several major issues, including broken pavement, damaged street furniture, and failing irrigation and shading systems. They also pointed to neglected planters and general dirtiness, which they argue are damaging the area's reputation with tourists.

Beyond physical repairs, the Socialists are calling for better management of public spaces. They have highlighted the need to regulate electric scooters, which often block sidewalks and create accessibility issues for people with reduced mobility. They also raised concerns about unauthorized street vending, arguing that it hurts established local businesses and detracts from the town's image.

This proposal is part of a broader effort by the PSOE to hold the current government accountable, linking these maintenance issues to the recent loss of quality certifications for local beaches and tourist offices. However, the plan currently lacks a budget, a timeline for repairs, and a formal response from the government. Whether this initiative succeeds will depend on whether the current administration can provide the funding and technical support needed to address the concerns of local residents and business owners in this vital part of southern Tenerife.