Viewpoint

There was further bad news yesterday with the announcement that fewer hotels would be open in Calvia this winter because of the reduction in the number of visitors. Now, is the time for the Balearics to try and woo holidaymakers during the winter months. So far efforts to make the Balearics an all year round holiday destination have failed because most people in the tourist resorts shut-up shop until next year. With some imagination and with the same drive and energy which made the Balearics PLC one of the most successful tourist businesses in the world, the islands could easily become a relatively important low season destination. The weather is relatively good, not as hot as the Canary Islands but far warmer than Northern Europe.

The tourist industry needs to come together with the ministry for tourism and plan and work together. One of the initiatives I welcome 100 percent is trying to promote Palma as a city for weekend getaway breaks, taking in the sights and shopping of course. Palma has plenty to offer.

Perhaps even a week of the tourist with incentives being offered could also be organised for the low season. I am sure that many of the “un-weather related parks” and other attractions would remain open if they had the necessary support and encouragement.

Now is not the time for making statements about next season. Now is the time to get the most out of the Balearics and try and lift the economy.