As far walking routes in general are concerned,18 routes inside the National Park are at present closed to walkers because of continuing extinction tasks,and only 13 of the 40 footpaths comprising the network of walking paths are at least partially affected. Many other,less well-trodden paths are also problem-free.
“Good information is always desirable and dramatic images have been widely seen,but now it's time to show the outside world that La Gomera continues to exist,largely intact,after the fire”,says one of the local businesspeople in touch with this digital newspaper since yesterday,to ask for help with concerns that bad news will scare tourists away,adding,“…your intervention now will help Canarian media reassure everyone that almost 90% of the island is completely undamaged by fire”.
“There is cause for concern. We are experiencing immediate cancellations in the hotel sector for the next few weeks,although there is no change so far in reservations for the winter season”.
Bearing this in mind,the local business community insists that swift action is needed to,“… convince the outside world all is well. We need to send the positive message that we are here,with every intention of continuing to offer this emblematic tourist destination for Europe,whilst in no way wishing to diminish the real drama now drawing to a close”.
Gomeranoticias’ facebook network,with close on five thousand followers,provides a useful communications channel. It facilitates messages asking for collaboration from public bodies,the island’s political parties,associations and citizens in general,in an effort to,“…spread the word about our historic and gastronomic heritage and other important elements such as our handicrafts,our beaches,our villages and our forest,which continues to be of World Heritage status,with the whole island recently named Biosphere Reserve”.
This digital newspaper maintains telephone contact with representatives of the tourism sector and will offer free advertising space to business collectives and public bodies or associations. This will permit the use of the web to transmit the all-important message that all is well,in order to avoid such negative consequences as those suffered by El Hierro,during and after its recent episode of volcanic activity.
Island Council Department of Tourism head,Fernando Méndez,said that most island paths will be reopened,once work is completed,as they are undamaged. He explained that inside the National Park,18 routes are at present closed because of continuing extinction tasks,and that of the 40 footpaths comprising the network of walking paths,13 are at least partially affected. Many secondary,less well-known paths will be fully useable.
The Island Council will carry out evaluations based on technical reports received,once an official declaration is made that the fire is totally extinguished..
Gomeranoticias put a photo gallery of the fire online during its early stages,but will now remove these images,just as it will also limit the diffusion of news and information likely to cause possible negative repercussions on the real state of the island. Very soon,La Gomera will be ready to meet the coming tourist season with hope,offering 90% of its rich environment,as it has done for centuries,for the enjoyment of its inhabitants and the satisfaction of its visitors.
