Farewell to Benidorm's Grandfather

Friday, 04 April 2008

Pedro Zaragoza Ortis is the man attributed with putting one of Europe’s biggest holiday destinations on the tourism map. This week at the age of 85 Ortis passed away, leaving behind him a legacy of change to his beloved Benidorm.

In 50 years Benidorm has been totally transformed from its small fishing village status, to the tourist mecca we all know today.

When Ortiz took over as mayor of the town in 1950, his dogged determination and continuous lobbying of the Spanish Catholic Church, to permit the bikini wearers of Europe access to the beautiful beaches of Benidorm was monumental, and changed the face of Spanish tourism forever.
Pedro Zaragoza Ortis is the man attributed with putting one of Europe’s biggest holiday destinations on the tourism map. This week at the age of 85 Ortis passed away, leaving behind him a legacy of change to his beloved Benidorm.

In 50 years Benidorm has been totally transformed from its small fishing village status, to the tourist mecca we all know today.

When Ortiz took over as mayor of the town in 1950, his dogged determination and continuous lobbying of the Spanish Catholic Church, to permit the bikini wearers of Europe access to the beautiful beaches of Benidorm was monumental, and changed the face of Spanish tourism forever.

In 1959 he took his “war of the bikini” while still under serious threat of excommunication from the Catholic Church, and started his 6 hour historic journey to the Palace of El Pardo in Madrid where he was granted audience with General Franco.

Within days of his visit General Franco decreed that the bikini would be allowable in the streets and plaza’s of Benidorm, the first and only town in Spain where this was permitted.

For Benidorm and this small town boy, this was just the start of the epic voyage to the popular holiday destination, famous for its golden beaches and nightlife we all know today. His amazing motivation coupled with his marketing skills could put a lot of today’s spin doctors to shame.

His grand ideas for the town elicited much objection from many of the landowners in the area. Most didn’t understand his vision for the future, but fortunately his persistence won through, and thanks to his determination Benidorm is now one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Europe.

His funeral on Wednesday was attended by many dignitaries showing their respect to this extraordinary man. Along with his Honorary Citizen award, and a street being named in his honor, Benidorm council has now awarded posthumously the Gold Medal of honor, for his relentless hard work and services to the city.

So from small town boy to visionary, Pedro Zaragoza Ortis will be forever remembered for his belief in the little fishing village he successfully placed all on the tourist maps for years to come.

So adios y muchas gracias to Grandfather Benidorm!!