Playa Jardín Closures Push Local Businesses to the Brink of Collapse

The ongoing health and environmental crisis at Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz has evolved from a public health concern into a serious threat to the local economy. With the beach closed to swimmers on and off since July 2024, local businesses are now facing a stark choice: bankruptcy or giving up their operating licenses.

The situation at the Playa Jardín kiosk, run by Pedro Cuadrado, highlights the severity of the crisis. Since taking over four years ago, Cuadrado has been forced to cut his staff from 28 employees in 2022 to just 14 today. Conflicting reports on water quality between the local council and public health officials have kept visitors away, devastating the hospitality trade that relies on beachgoers.

From a legal standpoint, the business owners argue that the government has failed to provide a safe environment, effectively breaking the terms of their service contracts. Despite plans for new water testing, business owners feel ignored by the local government and frustrated by the lack of support or efforts to revitalize the Punta Brava area.

For many, time is running out. Cuadrado has warned that if his losses—which have already hit 50% of his revenue—do not improve, he may be forced to close permanently by January 2025. This is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader instability for businesses that depend on a healthy coastline. With health authorities warning that the closures could continue, the local business sector, which was thriving just two years ago, is now on the brink of collapse.