Further improvements to the Tourist Product

The Gibraltar Tourist Board has completed the third phase of its refurbishment of the visitor attractions. The works on the main attractions on the Upper Rock are part of a continuous commitment by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar to improve the tourist product. O’Hara’s Battery has seen a major overhaul with machinery being restored to its original state. The exhibition now boasts new information panels complemented with screens that provide an instructive commentary about the Battery and the firing of the 9.2 inch gun. An interactive panel adds a new experience to the site. Gun barrels mounted on replicas of carriages in St George’s Hall are another improvement carried out to the Great Siege Tunnels. Mannequins of a gun crew have been placed next to one of the guns and, at the interactive panel; visitors will even experience the sound of gun fire. Works are now under way to open Cornwallis Chamber. This new chamber will be accessed via a new spiral staircase from the Great Siege Tunnels. The attraction will also have information panels installed with mannequins and props to complement the experience. The City Under Siege Exhibition is a site where all mannequins and exhibits are exposed to the elements. This site has undergone extensive refurbishment, and a 10 minute documentary will be playing at this location. A picnic area at the entrance enhances this picturesque site. Further to the improved facilities carried out at the World War II Tunnels last year, the attraction has been enhanced by creating three exhibit areas, which depict life in the tunnels as it was during the war years. In addition, the ticket office at Jews’ Gate has been refurbished to improve facilities for the Upper Rock team. Minister for Tourism, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP said: “I am delighted to see that the initiative taken by my colleague the Hon Neil Costa MP has once again contributed to the continuous development and improvement of our tourism product. This unprecedented investment in tourism and in particular in the Upper Rock by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar reflects our support for the tourism industry by delivering an enhanced experience for our visitors. Our commitment to tourism will no doubt be welcomed by all those working in the local tourism, retail, and hospitality industry.”