Riot police are set to be deployed in Benidorm as part of a security operation for the upcoming World Cup in the popular holiday destination frequented by British tourists. The town council in Costa Blanca’s resort also announced additional police reinforcements for evening and night shifts in anticipation of the influx of UK visitors choosing to watch the tournament in Spain. Many England supporters have opted to travel to Spain due to the high costs of accommodation and tickets in the US.
The plan involves fans watching the games at various venues like bars, clubs, and restaurants in well-known resorts such as Benidorm. Over the years, more horse racing enthusiasts have been heading to Benidorm instead of attending the pricey Cheltenham Festival, attracted by the sunny weather and affordable beer deals.
Local officials have reported a significant increase in air travel capacity during the initial phase of the World Cup this summer. The details of the security measures for the tournament in Benidorm have been unveiled following a meeting between police and council members to coordinate their response.
The Benidorm Town Council spokesman confirmed that both local police and National Police would enhance patrols during the tournament period from June 11 to July 19. The National Police unit deployed consists of highly trained officers specializing in public order maintenance, often mobilized for handling protests and high-risk sports events.
According to Jesus Carrobles, Benidorm’s Councillor for Citizen Security and Public Service, major sporting events like the World Cup attract large crowds of fans to public spaces and entertainment venues. The surge in airline seat reservations to Alicante, particularly from the United Kingdom, indicates an expected influx of tourists and fans for the event in Benidorm.
Flight bookings to Benidorm have notably increased in response to the expensive World Cup trips to the US, with airlines reporting a surge in reservations. Travel companies have been offering affordable packages to destinations like Benidorm, enticing travelers with cost-effective alternatives to attending the tournament in the US.
Apart from Benidorm, other areas like Magaluf in Majorca and the Costa del Sol are expected to draw England and Scotland fans as well. The upcoming World Cup is poised to bring together a diverse range of football enthusiasts in popular tourist spots across Spain.
