Editorial: The end of Punta Ballena?

THE days of Calle Punta Ballena, in its present form, in Magalluf are over if the Balearic Minister for Tourism, Jaime Matinez, is to be believed.  Martinez, speaking on the new promotional video for the Calvia Beach development, clearly underlines the fact that Calle Punta Ballena is not fit for purpose and its days are numbered as a result of new, more up-market developments which are in the process of being built. Magalluf, believe it or not, is being taken up-market at speed and by 2016 new hotels and attractions will have been completed. Now, obviously this is a step in the right direction but I would like to know what is going to happen to all the bars, nightclubs, restaurants, tattoo parlours, etc in Calle Punta Ballena once this grand more up-market Magalluf project is completed? Is it the end of the line for them? Well Isincerely doubt it, in truth. I think there is going to be a long transition process but in the end Magalluf will attract more so-called “up-market tourists” but it could take many years. The Melia Hotel Group, which is behind the Calvia Beach project, is spending vast sums of money on their hotels in Magalluf. The founder of the Palma-based hotel chain, Gabriel Escarrer, made his thoughts on Calle Punta Ballena very clear last summer when he said that it tarnished the image of the resort. The writing appears to be on the wall but I think there is going to be a big battle between those who like Magalluf how it is and those who want change.