Seeking new outlets for Green Cards

BALEARIC tourism chief Joan Flaquer said yesterday that the government is waiting for the results of a legal report, to see if it can start selling the Green Card in tourism information offices. He also said that negotiations are underway to install sales points at airports in the Balearics.
Flaquer said that “the collaboration of tour operators, travel agencies and hotels is basic for the success of the Green Card, but we cannot ignore alternative outlets.” Direct contact with the tourist is also important he added.
The Green Card can be purchased by tourists for ten euros, is valid for a fortnight and entitles them to free or discounted admission at museums and other places of interest and discounts on services. The money raised through the sale of the cards will be used to finance environmental projects, although the government has always insisted that it is not a substitute for the controversial tourist tax, introduced by the previous left-wing coalition government. Projects will include the archaeological park of Son Real, Flaquer said, adding that funds raised would be divided between the islands in proportion.
The opposition claims that the government will not reach its target figure of 300'000 cards sold this year.