He regrets that he has little free time left to play golf, which he has been playing for eight years. José Mena, a young and very sporty man, has the honor of being the mayor of the second municipality in Spain in number of golf courses (the first is its neighbor Marbella), with a dozen and 180 holes spread among seven clubs.
1 – You govern a municipality that has the highest number of golf courses per capita in Spain. What does this mean for you?
-From the outset, it is a source of pride, especially if we take into account that golf has become a sport of the majority and is practiced by millions of people. This translated into euros means more than just pride, as it implies the economic support of Benahavís. Golf also gives us prestige and maintains the influx of visitors throughout the year, especially from other European countries.
2 – Does the fact that you play golf give you a broader perspective than others on what this sport means both touristically and economically?
-This helps to understand the golf tourist, to know their concerns, their needs and, sometimes, even to be ahead in some aspects. A golfer is always aware of the market and its movements. As mayor, I have the obligation to keep my perspective in order to adapt supply to demand, and golf is a support for me because I never lose sight of the twists and turns of the market.
3 -On what pillars is the tourist offer of Benahavís based?
-Golf. Undoubtedly golf and everything that surrounds this sport. The hotels receive tens of thousands of golfers throughout the year. The other “leg” of the local economy is gastronomy. Half the world should already know that Benahavís offers quality cuisine at a good price. The attractiveness of being a village, typical of inland Andalusia despite its proximity to the coast, also helps in receiving tourists every year. Benahavís is the vertex of the Golden Triangle.
4 -Would your town be without golf and without the golfers who fill restaurants and hotels in the municipality?
-My town cannot be conceived without golf, but neither can it be conceived without the attraction of its restaurants or the idiosyncrasy of its people. Being a typical village, with Arab reminiscences, it has known how to grow without being dragged by the current of urban overcrowding.
5 -Tourism in general, not just golf, seems to be one of the only sectors that is growing a little in Spain. What do you think should be done to attract more visitors to the Costa del Sol?
-That will depend on the objectives set by tourism policies. Every moment is different. In this sector, the economic aspect has a major influence. However, you always have to be attentive to what tourists demand, to what other destinations have to offer, and to market changes on a strictly financial level. You have to convince tourists from emerging countries, but you have to do it with a diversified, interesting and quality offer.
6 -With so many golf courses and resorts in your municipality, we suppose that you will pay special attention to the promotion of this tourist segment…
-It is vital to offer all the institutional support to the local economic sector. From the City Council what we do is to promote the practice of all sports, but especially the practice of golf. But not only the practice, but we also try to sponsor, although without squandering, quality golf events, both national and international. The readers of your magazine will surely know that the Benahavís Senior Masters has been held in the municipality for several years. This year we repeat. We will host again this important International Tournament that we hope will bring tourists to Benahavís.
7 – You are a golfer and have played the courses in your municipality, what level of golf does Benahavís offer in general terms?
As mayor of Benahavís I have the obligation to respond that the level is the best. As a golf player, I would like to add to that statement. The level is superior because we have very good golf courses and all of them are working all year round.
8 – How did you get started in the world of golf?
– Getting started in the practice of golf is something intrinsic in Benahavís. If you are born and live in this town you play golf. There is no other explanation.
9 -What has been the best shot of your life? In golf, of course.
– I have to say that I’m not a great golfer, although I have I have to say that I’m not a great golfer, although I have I have to say that I’m not a great golfer, although I have I have to say that I’m not a great golfer, although I have… tual. I don’t usually get a lot of prizes. I remember a game at the tual. I don’t usually get a lot of prizes. I remember a game on the Valderrama Course, playing with Manolo Piñero, in which I got two pars and a birdie, in a row.
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