The Foro has been a slight mystery to me since I went to the launch evening a year ago in June. Obviously I was aware that it was all about organising events in Almerimar, as I have been to a number of good ones; I just wasn’t too sure what its aims were. In our first article on the foro we wrote that it was all about “trying to develop peoples’ awareness of Almerimar.” Since that evening, having had conversations with various people, I came to the conclusion that its remit was more focused on specifically generating business, which is why I found the gastronomic event a little confusing and wrote afterwards:

“SO what was it all about? Basically it was a promotion for the vegetables of the region, and the little cookery book was produced by the Agriculture and Environment Dept of the Council in El Ejido. OK all very good but I remain confused as to how this has helped generate trade for the businesses of Almerimar, namely the restaurants, bars, etc. which is the remit of the ‘Foro’ that organised it.”

I then went to a really good wine tasting and in my article wrote:

“I’m starting to get a clearer picture of the purpose of the Foro and these events, partly from having attended several, and partly from talking to people at them who are actually members of the Foro. Last night’s wine tasting for me seemed to work much better than previous events as a simple straightforward opportunity for business people from Almerimar and the immediate area to get together over a glass of wine and ‘network’.”

This idea of getting business people together to encourage initiatives was further re-enforced at the first aniversary but I was still left wondering if I had got it quite right, so last week I decided to sit down over a drink and ask Vivien Morris, one of the original members, who is heavily involved in helping to organise the various events, what the Foro was actually for.

Vivien clarified that the Foro was set up by a small group of business people with a very simple and clear objective to help create more activities and events that people living in and visiting Almerimar could enjoy.

Of course it is also indirectly about all the other things we have already written about: Good events bring people into and create awareness of Almerimar. They are also at times a good opportunity for people to communicate and exchange ideas and they bring the possibility of follow-on business for the whole community. But I like the original aim to try and ensure that there was more for people to actually do here.

Last Summer the Foro was responsible for organising the great free concerts in the port; this year their Summer focus is specifically on the Virgin del Carmen Fiesta which starts on Friday, including the delayed Beatles Tribute band concert from last year, a beach Philamonic finale and lots of drinks and tapas in between at the Club de Playa.

And for the rest of the year, Vivien tells me good ideas are always welcome. The Foro is continuing to hold regular meetings on Wednesday mornings at the hotel which has always supported them well. If anyone has an idea for an event and needs help with skills and organisation, then the Foro would be interested to hear about it and, if it meets their objectives, would be happy to offer support.

Ok I am now clear about the Foro, I think it is a great initiative and Almerimar Life is now a member and will continue to help promote everything they do. In the meantime look out for more information on the Virgin Del Carmen celebrations tomorrow and over the next few days.

About Almerimar

Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar

Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.