The Gibraltar government has launched a new tourist product to promote alternative options for visitors.
The aim behind “Gibraltar the alternative tour”, a joint initiative by the ministries of the environment and tourism, is “to diversify our products and offer alternatives to return visitors as well as the possibility of increasing the length of their stay”.
The alternative tour starts at the 100 Ton Gun and continues to Parson’s Lodge and the Europa Point Lighthouse (with a visit to Nun’s Well if requested). This is followed by a visit to the Gorham’s Cave Complex, the Alameda Botanical Gardens and finally the Gibraltar National Museum.
“This new initiative will not only increase revenue but will also serve to decongest the nature reserve,” said environment minister John Cortes. “The intention is to continue to diversify the product and introduce further tour options in coming years, especially showcasing our natural landscapes through these impressive locations.”
Added tourism minister Christian Santos, “This initiative is a great step forward with great work taking place across both ministries. The tour can be purchased on the nature reserve website as well as through local tour operators, and marketed internationally through the Gibraltar Tourist Board.” 
Return of Calentita
Looking ahead, Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS) has announced that the food festival “Calentita” will return in 2024, organised by Word of Mouth and Gibmedia.
The annual festival will be held on Saturday 6 July at the same venue as last year, John Mackintosh Square and Campion Park. This will be the 15th Calentita overall – it was launched in 2007 but postponed during the COVID pandemic.
According to a GCS spokesperson, “This year we are hoping to welcome back some of our regular stalls as well as entice new participants. We will also be adding a few features that will allow local businesses to take part and benefit from the event.”
Interested parties can visit www.calentita.gi for registration and full information on how to participate.
“Kiss Me” Selfies
In other local tourism news, a new sign at Europa Point has been erected to encourage couples to “show their love for each other against a picturesque Gibraltar backdrop”, as part of the tourism ministry’s re-branding and marketing strategy.
The tourist board’s Kaiane Aldorino Lopez – Gibraltar’s first Miss World (in 2009) and a former Gibraltar mayor (2017-2019) – explained more about the initiative when interviewed on GBC News.
