Benidorm celebrates Abreca's 40th anniversary

On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Benidorm Association of Bars, Restaurants, and Cafeterias (Abreca) on August 13, 1985, Manila restaurant, owned by the organisation's first president, Rafael Navarro, hosted a commemorative event attended by members, guests, and institutions.

The Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, the Councillor for Commerce, Javier Jordá, and other members of the city council participated in the event, which was attended by, among others, the Senator of the Kingdom of Spain, Agustín Almodóbar, the regional representative, José Ramón González de Zárate, and the presidents of Abreca, Javier del Castillo, and of Cobreca (Benidorm Cooperative of Bars, Restaurants, and Cafeterias), Pablo González.

Toni Pérez recalled that "the drive and tenacious, and determined decision" of the hospitality industry decided, forty years ago today, "that the alliance would make us better" and that the union "would contribute to building a better Benidorm."

"Abreca has grown very well," the mayor emphasised, highlighting the "moment of rejuvenation" the organisation is currently experiencing. Toni Pérez took the opportunity to announce to Abreca members that the association will receive the "City of Benidorm" award in the local category this year during International Tourism Day.

Finally, the mayor referred to the partnership between Abreca and the City Council, which has made it possible to achieve things "that were practically unthinkable." As a result, he highlighted the collaborations at international tourism fairs, FITUR, and the joint action during the COVID-19 pandemic, among others, "that helped the sector" because, to use a similar example, Benidorm's hospitality industry "always puts its all into it."

Javier del Castillo and Rafael Navarro also spoke at the event. Castillo emphasised that the sector is more than just an economic activity; "it is our identity, our culture, and our way of welcoming the world." He also highlighted the initiatives the association carries out throughout the year, citing the Benidorm Gastronomic Fair and the various events that comprise it as an example.

“The fortieth anniversary,” he emphasised, “is not an endpoint, it's a new stage.” Del Castillo emphasised that “the true meaning of an anniversary is to look forward,” since we are living in “times of change in which innovation, training, digitalisation, and sustainability will be essential to compete.”

For his part, in his brief address, Rafael Navarro offered a few words of remembrance for the people who started the project in 1985: “Without them, this dream would not have come true.” After the speeches, the event concluded with a cocktail reception at the Manila restaurant.