Tourism blues

By Jason Moore A large number of local hotels will be closing their doors for business at the end of this month, which will mean that unemployment could very well reach the 80'000 mark in the islands in mid-September. This, I am afraid to say, is the true state of the tourist industry in the Balearics. Even last year (which was not considered to be a good year for tourism) hotels closed at the end of September, this year we are talking almost a month early. This is an absolute nightmare. There has been plenty of talk about the state of the tourist industry but little action. This year will go down on record as one of the shortest summer seasons ever. Official figures say that tourism will be down by 10 percent; I know for a fact that in some resorts British tour firms are saying they are down by at least three times this figure. This winter is going to be exceptionally difficult with record numbers of people without a job. One of the best things that the local authorities can do this winter is to try and improve the resorts. Money has been promised by Madrid and the time has come to start spending it. I think the best thing to do this season is just hope for the best and try and ensure that next year is better. Judging by the present figures 2009 is going to be a very difficult year.