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‘THE KNOWLEDGE’ ALMERIA STYLE

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Kevin Reardon / 2010-07-30 14:48:21

A new initiative launched by 'Almeria taxi' requires that all drivers become tourist guides for visitors to the area.

In a new initiative launched by Alfonso Ruiz Lao and Antonio Garcia Marquez, the Secretary and President of the city’s guild the pair said that times of need is the mother of invention and in an effort to boost declining trade it was decided that drivers should now be able to offer their services in this additional means. 

“This is a pioneering idea in the Province of Andalucia” Marquez said. “We have been considering it for some time and we decided to implement it last December.

Since that time we have been working out routes and ensuring that all our drivers have the necessary knowledge. It will provide the sector with a refreshing new twist. Our drivers will no longer be carriers alone. They will become true tourist guides who will be able to present the historic face of the province to all those using this new service”.

“Almeria taxi”' will offer six routes, two tours of the capital and four in and around the local countryside. They will all have an audio guide service available in three languages: Spanish, German and English, that will explain the history of the area and sights through which tourists are travelling.

In the case of the capital, tourists can take in in a panoramic view of the city, stopping at the Old Railway Station where they will see the beauty the architecture of the building, the Mirador de San Cristobal and the monuments of La Alcazaba.

The second route will visit many of the historic sites in the most symbolic places such as the Town Hall Square, the Cathedral, where they will be able to enjoy late Gothic architecture and also The Alcazaba.

Those who prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside will have rather more tranquil routes to choose from. The important archaeological Níjar Road noted for its pottery workshops or the Route around Cabo de Gata, including the beauty of its coves are but two.

“The routes have been chosen to suit all tastes, people who already live in the area or visiting tourists who want insight into the history and the characteristics that the province has to offer” said Alfonso Ruiz Lao .