The Long Fight for Survival of Benalmádena’s Iconic Landmark
The Story of Tivoli World: A Theme Park Frozen in Time
Once a crown jewel of entertainment on the Costa del Sol, Tivoli World in Benalmádena stood as a beacon of joy and excitement for nearly five decades. Tivoli World, the first major amusement park in Spain, attracted over 35 million visitors during its glory days. Located in the heart of Benalmádena, this 65,000 square meter theme park offered a range of attractions—rides, concerts, and performances—that turned it into one of the most beloved amusement parks in Europe. However, after facing financial troubles and being forced to close its doors in 2020, Tivoli World became an abandoned theme park, with former staff and local authorities hoping for a revival in the near future.
The Golden Age of Tivoli World
Tivoli World amusement park was inaugurated in May 1972 by the Danish entrepreneur Bernt Olsen, who envisioned creating a magical place for families and thrill-seekers alike. Situated in Benalmádena, a key tourist town on Spain's Costa del Sol, Tivoli World quickly became a go-to attraction. Its mixture of thrilling rides, like the iconic Ferris wheel, flamenco shows, and concerts from international stars like James Brown and Montserrat Caballé made it a vibrant hub for locals and tourists. It wasn't just a theme park; Tivoli World was a cultural and social venue that defined entertainment for the area.
What year did Tivoli open?
Tivoli World opened in May 1972.
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Tivoli World attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, establishing itself as the place to be for family fun in Andalusia. Its outdoor theatre hosted concerts from some of the most famous names in music, while its restaurants and theme eateries drew people to enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine. The park's golden age made it an iconic landmark on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Why Did Tivoli World Close Down?
Tivoli World’s troubles began in the early 2000s. In 2004, the park changed hands when businessman Rafael Gómez, better known as "Sandokán," acquired it for 25 million euros. Gómez invested in new rides and attractions, including the freefall tower and the dragon roller coaster, providing the park with a brief resurgence. However, financial troubles remained, and Tivoli World struggled to maintain its profitability.
In 2006, Gómez's name was entangled in the infamous Operación Malaya, a corruption scandal in Marbella, which led to his arrest. This event marked the beginning of the park's decline. Gómez eventually sold the park in 2007 to Tremón, a real estate group based in Madrid, amid rumors that the company planned to repurpose the park's land for housing developments. The subsequent years were marred by ownership disputes, debts, and legal challenges, with the park accumulating 11.2 million euros in debt—much of it owed to the Spanish Tax Agency and Social Security.
By 2020, the coronavirus pandemic exacerbated these financial challenges, and Tivoli World was forced to close its doors. The closure of Tivoli World marked the end of an era, as an iconic amusement park on the Costa del Sol was left in a state of abandonment, with its future hanging by a thread.
The Workers' Dedication: Protecting Tivoli World
Despite being forced to close, Tivoli World's former employees have refused to let it fall into total disrepair. Determined to preserve the park, a group of former workers, led by long-time employee Juan Carmona, began voluntarily maintaining the grounds. Carmona, who started working at Tivoli in 1988, even moved into the park to help keep it secure and prevent further deterioration.
The dedication of these workers has been extraordinary. They have taken turns guarding the premises to prevent vandalism and theft, ensured that rides and attractions remained intact, and even looked after the 22 peacocks that still roam the park. Their efforts are a testament to the emotional connection that many people have with Tivoli World—a theme park that has brought joy to millions.
"Our greatest hope is that Tivoli will reopen," Carmona said, reflecting the hope that many in Benalmádena still have. The former employees, known locally as "Tivolinos," have organized regular clean-up campaigns and have kept the park’s spirit alive, even in its dormant state. Tivoli World has indeed become a "theme park frozen in time."
The Local Government's Efforts to Reopen Tivoli World
The future of Tivoli World largely rests on the shoulders of the local government and private investors. The newly elected mayor of Benalmádena, Juan Antonio Lara, has made reopening Tivoli World a priority. Since assuming office in 2022, Mayor Lara has emphasized that "Tivoli is a matter of state for Benalmádena," and his administration is working tirelessly to secure the park's reopening.
In 2022, Benalmádena town hall announced measures to protect the land on which Tivoli World sits, ensuring that it could only be used as an amusement park or for tourism-related purposes, such as a hotel or shopping center that complements the park's attractions. This move was designed to prevent the real estate development that many feared could lead to Tivoli World’s permanent disappearance.
The town council has also been in talks with various investors interested in revitalizing Tivoli World. However, the ongoing legal battles and financial issues surrounding the park have posed significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, Mayor Lara remains optimistic. He has expressed his commitment to ensuring that Tivoli World reopens its doors, with a target set for 2024. The local government and community are working from "minute one" to provide solutions and finally achieve what everyone wants—to see Tivoli World come back to life.
Tivoli World: A Symbol of Benalmádena's Heritage
For the people of Benalmádena and the wider Costa del Sol region, Tivoli World is more than just an amusement park. It’s a symbol of the area’s history, a place that has created countless memories for generations of visitors, and a beacon of entertainment and culture. The park’s reopening would not only revive an iconic attraction, but it would also bring economic benefits to Benalmádena and the surrounding areas, attracting tourists from across Spain and beyond.
The hope is that Tivoli World will not only reopen but will be revitalized, offering new attractions and experiences while preserving its classic charm. The park's Ferris wheel, flamenco shows, and outdoor theatre could once again provide the magic that made Tivoli World famous. There is also hope that new rides, updated facilities, and enhanced visitor experiences could help Tivoli World compete with other theme parks in Spain, making it a premier destination on the Costa del Sol once again.
A Community's Hope for the Future
Although Tivoli World remains closed for now, the passion and determination of its former employees, local authorities, and the Benalmádena community offer hope for its future. The town hall, led by Mayor Juan Antonio Lara, continues to negotiate with potential investors, while the legal and financial obstacles that have kept Tivoli World closed are slowly being addressed. The goal is to see Tivoli World reopen in 2024, bringing back the magic that once made it the heart of entertainment on the Costa del Sol.
The reopening of Tivoli World would be a victory for Benalmádena, a sign that even in the face of adversity, iconic landmarks can be preserved and revitalized. As the community continues to fight for Tivoli World’s future, there is a collective belief that this theme park frozen in time will once again be a place where families, children, and tourists can come together to experience the joy and excitement that Tivoli World has always represented.
If you're planning to visit Benalmádena or even settle down in this beautiful town rich in culture and opportunities, keep an eye out for Tivoli World—a symbol of resilience and hope that might just reopen its doors to the world once again.
