Tourism pricing warning

BALEARIC minister, Joan Flaquer, sounded a note of caution, urging the Islands' tourist industry to keep a tight control on the image it portrayed to key client markets this summer. Flaquer, speaking at a tourism presentation held at the Hotel Melia Valencia Palace, was particularly anxious that prices were not seen to be too high and that an official complaints procedure be set up for visitors who wish to take issue with any of the services they have received as holidaymakers in the Balearics. “We are on the threshold of a summer tourist season here in the Islands which is forecast to be the best we have experienced since the 1990s,” asserted Flaquer. “All the sectors of the industry know what the pitfalls are, and that any difficulties will have to be resolved with the utmost care and professionalism. We now have a truly valuable opportunity to present a qualitative, modern image of the Balearics as the most desirable holiday destination in the Mediterranean. “All hotels, bars, restaurants and other services must play their part by not putting their prices too high. “If the warning is ignored, the danger is that key client countries, who are able to take their money where they choose, may judge that the quality/price ratio offered is just not acceptable.” Flaquer made it clear that the aim of 2006 was to increase profitability in the tourist industry and to further the process of establishing all-year-round tourism. He confirmed a special governmental monitoring team would be keeping a region-wide eye on pricing.