Torrevieja’s Municipal Institute of Culture “Joaquín Chapaprieta” has approved a new tender for the comprehensive management of the Municipal Theatre, the International Auditorium and the city’s Floating Museums. The decision was taken at an extraordinary board meeting held on Friday 29 May.

The contract has an annual base budget of €2,931,882.70 and an initial duration of one year, with the option of three extensions. This brings the total estimated value to €10,351,610.32 over four years. The current contract, awarded four years ago to the Esatur-Mediapro consortium, ends on 31 August.

One of the main changes is the inclusion of the Floating Museums in the external management model. The council says this will provide specialised staff, professional ticketing systems and improved visitor services at one of Torrevieja’s most distinctive tourist attractions.

The council argues that outsourcing management will support a stable and diverse cultural programme, strengthen Torrevieja’s position within the Valencian Community and boost the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting hospitality, retail and service sectors.