In the end we decided we would come back from our holiday in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. We had a great time, just as we did last year :) The weather was great and the surf was, as always, perfect!
It was very different there this year. Talking to the locals made us realise just how hard they are being hit by the credit crunch and peoples general unwillingless to spend. The majority of their economy is based around tourism.
The bars and restaurants were generally quieter - one of the bars we enjoyed (http://www.myspace.com/tattooz_n_boozerockbar - we like to rock!) were talking about a drop of 90% in custom compared to last year and now in his 8th(ish) year is going to close up shop - literally can't afford to keep it open!
Less people eating and drinking out and therefore less tips for the locals. The tips were invariably being spent on going out most nights. Now, they spend their tips in one night instead. Interestingly, and it's a shame really, there was a larger number of people taking these "all inclusive" deals with large complexes on the outskirts of the town. The reality is that they are quite a good deal. But being stuck in the same place for a week sounds like a nightmare to me and there are some great restaurants and bars in the town. Let alone all the people you can meet...anyway...back on topic...
Just yesterday we were talking to a girl who worked in the Clean Ocean Project store and also does photography (mainly people surfing and the like) and as with most of the people there she's going to keep on going along as she can. But she is optimistic that she can ride it out until things start to pick up again.
They live in a place where the cost of living is low but the cost of low tourism is very high! I'm pretty sure we'll be going back again and hope to see some of our new friends again.
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