In order to locate a suspected van, the Alicante Local Police conducted a nearly 100-kilometer search of the city and highways. The thrilling pursuit commenced in the Pau 5 area of San Juan seashore at approximately 1:30 a.m. and concluded in Xixona after passing through Benidorm.. According to sources, the vehicle was intercepted by a Civil Guard officer from La Vila Joiosa after two shots were fired, one of which burst the tyre and the other striking the rear.

The Alicante Local Police officers and other police forces that were participating in the race during various sections, the suspect and his companion, and the drivers who encountered the movie scene were all at risk as a result of the offender’s perilous manoeuvre.

According to the same sources, the perpetrator was apprehended and transported to the Sant Joan d’Alacant police station, and fortunately, no injuries were sustained as a result of the incident’s timing. The suspect, who was approximately 60 years old and operating his work van, was accompanied by a woman with whom had an outstanding restraining order. He tested positive for alcohol.

The pursuit commenced when a van was observed by the Alicante Local Police’s Night Security Unit in Pau 5 performing unusual manoeuvres. The driver escaped when they attempted to intercept it. He proceeded through the fashionable neighbourhood of the city, followed Avenida Pintor Pérez Gil—the avenue that is home to Sant Joan Hospital—and then merged onto the highway to travel to Benidorm.

He resumed his journey towards Xixona by rejoining the highway in the Costa Blanca’s capital. After being shot by a Benemérita officer in the city of Nougat, his perilous expedition concluded. The pursuit was conducted by officers from the municipal police forces of Alicante, Mutxamel, and La Vila, as well as members of the Armed Forces of the latter.

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The expansion strategy of the British hotel chain Travelodge in Spain is being furthered by the comprehensive renovation of four of its hotels in the country. The Travelodge Málaga Airport, Travelodge Alicante Puerto, Travelodge Murcia, and Travelodge Madrid Alcalá de Henares properties will undergo a comprehensive modernisation to enhance the guest experience and ensure that they are consistent with the brand’s standards.

The infrastructure, design, and functionality will be upgraded during the renovation project, which is scheduled to finish in May. The investment will prioritise the enhancement of technical systems, common areas, and accommodations to guarantee more efficient service and increased comfort.

Four hotels that are a critical component of Travelodge’s expansion in Spain

The hotels that are scheduled for renovation are situated in strategic locations and are part of Travelodge’s recent expansion in Spain.

• Travelodge Málaga Airport: This hotel is a popular choice for business travellers and tourists seeking convenience and comfort, as it is situated adjacent to Málaga Airport.

• Travelodge Alicante Puerto: This hotel, situated in one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Mediterranean coast, will upgrade its amenities to provide a more contemporary travel experience.

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• Travelodge Murcia: This establishment, located in the centre of the Murcian capital, will enhance its functionality and aesthetics by updating its services and design.

• Travelodge Madrid Alcalá de Henares: This hotel, situated in one of the most historic cities in the Community of Madrid, will undergo a transformation to provide its visitors with a more comfortable stay.

A new benchmark in efficiency and design

The renovation will include a number of critical components that will improve the visitor experience. Modern furnishings, refinished flooring, improved TV equipment, and efficient illumination will be included in the new designs of the guest rooms. Additionally, the bathrooms will undergo a renovation to enhance their functionality and convenience.

In order to conform to Travelodge’s contemporary image, the common areas will endure a complete redesign. The reception, food court, and salons will undergo a redesign to provide a more contemporary and inviting ambiance.

The renovation will involve the technical updating of certain HVAC and sanitation systems to enhance energy efficiency and guarantee year-round comfort.

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Dedication to the Spanish market

This renovation serves to bolster Travelodge’s dedication to Spain as a critical market in its expansion strategy. This investment in improvements has consolidated its development in the sector, and the acquisition of six hotels in April 2024 doubled its presence in the country.

Mr. Ángel Beleó, the General Manager of Travelodge Spain, underscores that “Spain is a critical market for Travelodge, and we are committed to guaranteeing that our hotels provide the same level of quality and comfort that is indicative of our brand.” We are enthusiastic about this modernisation, as it will enable us to further expand and solidify our presence in the country.

Travelodge’s commitment to providing modern, functional, and affordable accommodations in strategic locations has been further solidified by these renovations, which have solidified its status as a top choice for both leisure and business travellers.

In terms of housing construction, the province experienced a highly successful year in 2024, recording the second-highest figure in the past 15 years, trailing only the previous year, 2023. Consequently, the Official College of Technical Architecture of Alicante reported that 8,353 properties had been initiated by the year’s conclusion.

In spite of the favourable year, the figures for 2024 were 4.9% lower than those of 2023, which shattered all records from the previous decade. The Vega Baja region once again dominated construction in the province of Alicante, while other regions, including the interior and Elche, experienced substantial growth despite having the lowest volume of activity.

Regarding Las Marinas and Alicante, they demonstrate declines in comparison to 2023, despite maintaining positive results in comparison to the province as a whole. Once more, the coast is home to the most developments, while the inland region exhibits negligible figures.

Three main cities, Torrevieja (748), Alicante (695), and Orihuela (676), are the top three cities for housing starts in 2024, as indicated by the map from Datawrapper https://www.datawrapper.de/_/Tmysb/. It is followed by Elche and Dénia, which have initiated 593 and 495 properties, respectively. The list is concluded by the towns of Vega Baja, Marina Alta, and l’Alacantí.

The Elche region is distinguished by its expansion in comparison to the previous year. In the final quarter of 2024, 128 residences were initiated, a figure that surpasses all permits issued last year by 34% and is 111% higher than the same period in 2023.

The ten municipalities with the highest number of construction starts

Torrevieja: 748

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Alicante: 695

Orihuela: 676

Dénia: 593

Elche: 495

San Miguel de Salina. 471

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Pillar of the Horadada: 371

Mutxamel: 340

Calpe: 328

Guardamar del Segura: 293

However, it is important to emphasise the collapse of construction in the city of Alicante during the final three months of 2024. Despite the fact that 520 homes were initiated in 2023, the total number of homes initiated decreased from 1,099 in 2023 to 695 at the conclusion of the previous year, with only 87 homes initiated last year.

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In 2024, Las Marinas initiated 2,191 residences, which represents a 5.8% decrease from 2023. The volume of activity in this region has remained consistent, with 990 residences being constructed in the second half of the year, a decrease from 974 in the same period in 2023. The fourth quarter’s year-over-year change was a mere 0.8%.

Despite being the province’s primary development area and the most dynamic, housing starts in the Vega Baja region have decreased by 13% compared to 2023. This decline is partially attributable to the second quarter, while the third and fourth quarters have maintained positive trends.