Andorra Merchants Slam Council for Ignoring Peripheral Christmas Promotions

Merchants in Andorra la Vella's Riberaygua and Travesseres districts have voiced frustration with the local council and Andorra Turisme, claiming they are being overlooked during the Christmas season.

Shop owners report moderate success in festive sales across these peripheral areas of the capital, but growing discontent stems from promotional efforts that focus almost entirely on the central core. Neighbourhood businesses say they are excluded from key attractions and events designed to draw visitors.

"Our neighbourhood has no Christmas train or similar draw. Andorra Turisme does nothing to bring people here. We feel abandoned, especially by Andorra Turisme," said Sergi Carvalho, president of the Riberaygua Merchants' Association, in comments to ATV.

While describing the holiday period as solid rather than exceptional, the traders highlight a long-standing lack of institutional support to boost footfall. They argue that initiatives to energise Christmas commerce bypass outer districts, leaving them off the main circuit.

Carvalho dismissed claims that their areas fail to generate demand, insisting the real issue is a lack of listening from authorities. "They always tell us we don't create demand, but we do. The problem is we're not heard," he added.

Frustrated by years of perceived neglect, the merchants are calling for targeted promotion of neighbourhood retail offerings. They warn that without stronger backing, these vital districts—essential to the capital's commercial balance—risk remaining invisible amid the media spotlight on the city centre.