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Monday, 04 January 2016 20:51

Theme Park Wars: Shock Court Ruling Halts Gran Canaria Waterpark

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Siam Park project suspended by court judgement Siam Park project suspended by court judgement Frankie Napolux

Just when we thought that the Gran Canaria waterpark had overcome all obstacles, a court ruling provisionally suspends its license. 

What happened?

The ruling, by the Las Palmas based Juzgado de lo Contencioso Administrativo número 3, came in a case brought by a Las Palmas-based company called Lebensraum Wassers SL

The court said that it was provisionally suspending Loro Parque's license to develop the plot of land at El Veril because the way it received its license may be illegal. 

Lebensraum Wassers SL had argued that the way the license was granted didn't allow other companies to make alternative proposals for the area.

The court ruled that if Lebensraum Wassers SL was right and proved it in court after Siam Park was built, then the whole development would be illegal. It, therefore, decided to suspend the license.

Who are Lebensraum Wassers SL

Alex says: The La Provincia newspaper has now confirmed the link between Aspro Ocio (owners of Aqualand and Palmitos Park) and Lebensraum Wassers SL.

The company was formed in Las Palmas in 2013 but doesn't seem to have done much since other than object to the new water park. Its owners are unknown, but a comment by Gran Canaria president Antonio Morales gives us a hint. He said, "it is those that defend free markets that are benefiting

Its owners are unknown, but a comment by Gran Canaria president Antonio Morales gives us a hint. 

He said, "it is those that defend free markets that are benefitting from from the delay to this important Gran Canaria investment ... it is private business that does not accept market competition". He also said, "we all probably know who they are and who is behind them, but I'm not getting into that".

Given that there is only one large theme park company operating in Gran Canaria at present, the president's comments aren't hard to decipher. 

What happens now?

Both the Kiessling family, which own Loro Parque in Tenerife and plan to invest 60 million euros in the Gran Canaria water park, and the Gran Canaria authorities can appeal the court ruling at the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Canarias.

Given the overwhelming support for the Gran Canaria water park amongst Gran Canaria's politicians and business community, we'd expect a quick appeal.

It's hard to imagine that such a big project will be delayed for long by a legal technicality.

Read 9543 times Last modified on Friday, 08 January 2016 09:22
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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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