Counting the cost

IT may have only lasted 20 hours, instead of three days, but the coach strike did untold damage to the island's economy, not to mention visitors' impressions of the island.

It was claimed yesterday that at least 500'000 euros was lost because of the strike and the long term knock-on cost could be even more if some of those people left stranded in resorts and at airports decide against coming back next year.

There were also 6'000 plus cruise passengers who were looking forward to calling in on Palma during their Mediterranean cruise who were diverted to alternative ports because there were no coaches to take them on excursions they had already booked and paid for.

I guess they are in for refunds as well.
Business people in Magalluf, which is full of tourists who are apparently not spending any money, said they were disgusted by the strike and the damage it has done the industry. Tunisia and Egypt must be laughing.