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Pérez Llorca Pledges Major Investment to “Reverse Unjustifiable Neglect” in Alicante Province

Alicante / 20 February 2026

The President of the Generalitat, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, has reaffirmed the regional government’s “uncompromising commitment” to Alicante province, pledging to reverse what he described as an “unjustifiable lack of investment.”

Speaking at the 41st ‘Important’ Awards Gala hosted by Diario Información, Pérez Llorca said the Generalitat currently has nearly €388 million worth of projects under execution in the province. He added that, once all planned annual payments are completed, total investment will amount to approximately €2.2 billion.

Transformative Projects Underway

The President highlighted what he described as “essential works and transformative projects” either planned or already underway. These include the Alicante Intermodal Station and two phases of the Júcar-Vinalopó post-transfer pipeline on the left bank.

In addition, the Generalitat is funding the construction or renovation of 16 primary schools, 16 secondary schools and nine health centres. Investment is also being directed towards improvements at Vega Baja Hospital (Orihuela), Marina Baixa Hospital (Vila Joiosa), the General University Hospitals of Elche and Elda, and Dr. Balmis Hospital in Alicante.

Pérez Llorca criticised Alicante’s position in national state investment rankings, arguing that “Spain’s fourth largest province cannot remain at the bottom of the table.” He called for fairer infrastructure funding, particularly in transport and connectivity.

He noted that Alicante-Elche-Miguel Hernández Airport broke its passenger record in 2025 but still lacks both a second runway and a rail connection. In response, he said the Generalitat is prioritising a “serious mobility policy”, including expanded provincial bus services with improved frequencies, timetables and new routes.

Economic Support and Tax Measures

The President also underlined measures to ease the tax burden on residents, including the 50% expansion of all regional personal income tax deductions approved in 2023.

He described Alicante as “leading the way” in sectors such as tourism and business, reaffirming support for entrepreneurs, farmers and traditional industries. He added that administrative simplification and reduced bureaucracy remain central to the Generalitat’s strategy.

‘Important’ Awards Recognise Provincial Excellence

During the ceremony, Pérez Llorca congratulated the recipients of the 41st ‘Important’ Awards, praising their contribution to the province’s social, economic and cultural progress.

Award winners included Aqualia for water management innovation; artists Yerai Cortés and La Tania; medical specialists Manuel Asín and Antonio Picó; several traditional businesses; sports teams PAS Alcoi and Eón Alicante; and institutions including CEU Cardenal Herrera University of Elche and the UA Robotics Laboratory.

The President said the awards celebrate “useful progress” across sectors including education, healthcare, business, sport and environmental innovation.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Pérez Llorca Pledges Major Investment to “Reverse Unjustifiable Neglect” in Alicante Province

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