Plans to Spiff up the Golden Zone

By Ruth Clarke

In an area that is built on fill, well below sea level in some areas, the rains flood many of the streets in the Golden Zone, sometimes more than a meter deep, making driving treacherous and walking near impossible. When there is no rain, even trying to walk along some parts of Camarón Sábalo requires walking on the street because cars are parked flush to the stores. And the condition of the sidewalks, should you be able to find them to walk on, is challenging for any ambulatory being. Each time a cruise ship stops in port, more than five cases of people falling have been reported, according to the Spanish daily, El Debate. In response to these and other issues, a plan of action is afoot. The business association of the Golden Zone is launching a campaign to beautify their area and improve the infrastructure of the area to make it more visually and physically appealing for national and international tourists as well as residents.
According to the Spanish daily Noroeste, 40-some businesses are contributing

money for the campaign which includes not only improving sidewalks and the image of the Golden Zone, but also elevating the level of service offered to the public, which includes introducing cultural events.
At a recent press conference, the committee proposed their integrated plan that includes banners, promotion focusing on the food industry, shopping, night life and beach lifestyle. They plan to have a new logo designed that identifies and typifies the area. The area between Gaviotas and Camarón Sábalo are under the microscope, and the flow of traffic on Bugambilias and Garzas has been changed. A guide for the Golden Zone is planned with information about hotels and travel agencies as well as tourist establishments. Among the plans, there is also mention of the area being supplied with garbage cans, maintenance of green areas, with more trees planted and more telephone booths installed, fashioned like those found in Europe.