Apr 23 - Costa Announces Details Of Second Year Refurbishment Of Tourist Product
The Gibraltar Tourist Board has completed the second phase of its refurbishment programme of its main attractions to improve the tourist product ahead of the peak summer season. This is the second continuous year of capital investment of an amount of over £1 million.
At the 100 Ton Gun, the GTB has carried out works to provide new railings in compliance with Health and Safety standards, an accessibility ramp so that persons with disability can gain a much better view of the gun itself – in the past they only had access to the exhibition – and beautification of external areas. A fire alarm and LED lighting system has also been installed.
St Michael’s Cave, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the local tourist product, has seen the replacement of railings for modern stainless steel balustrades, a change which has succeeded in creating a more contemporary look to the inside section. The steps have also been fitted with lights, while a new spectacular 30 minute light and sound show, that will be running all day, will enhance the dramatic geological features and striking views of the caverns’ interior. To complement this, an instructive commentary narrating some of the most salient aspects of the cave’s history, will provide visitors with valuable information.
New mannequins in historical costume have been located at all the gun embrasures of The Great Siege Tunnels – also known as the Galleries — adding a realistic feel to the site. The figures complement the information panels and props that were put in place last year.
The section of the Galleries known as the Holy Land Tunnel has been reopened, and its viewing platform subjected to much needed structural works, thus affording impressive vistas of the Strait of Gibraltar and Mediterranean Sea. It will also allow visitors to traverse the insides of the rock from end to end. There is also a display of a World War Two soldier in a trench.
The Galleries ticket office which was suffering from water penetration has also been refurbished.
The World War Two Tunnels, which were transferred to the GTB last November having been in private hands until then, have benefitted from a refurbishment and the construction of new accessible toilets for disabled persons. Improved facilities for staff have also been provided.
The viewing platform at Jews’ Gate has also been resurfaced.
Minister for Tourism, Neil Costa, welcomed the improvements to the tourist product and reiterated the Government’s commitment to a key industry for the development of the local economy.
Mr Costa said: “We initiated a major programme of much needed refurbishment last year at the main attractions, starting with the public facilities for visitors, the installation of LED lighting across all sites, accessibility features and also staff amenities that were in need of enhancement. This year we have continued phase two, introducing further improvements to ensure that visitors to Gibraltar receive a good impression of what we have to offer and enjoy our product to the full. As the people of Gibraltar now expect from this Government, which is wholly committed to tourism, more is sure to follow and will be announced in this year’s budget.”
