“To the high tax burden to which the tourism sector is being subjected, on account of local, island and government taxes, we have to add the imminent introduction of a new tourist tax, which the sector considers to be inappropriate, unsuitable and unjust, as it will affect our competitiveness and as it is affecting the image of Majorca abroad.”
Gamero continued: “The impact will be clear in terms of investment and Majorca’s repositioning and recovery of leadership position. We ask for fiscal policy that is appropriate, fair and balanced, linked to an administration which adjusts itself to the real needs that we have, as in a plan for infrastructure upgrades in resorts in line with private investments both undertaken and envisaged.”
Biel Barceló said that he understood the disagreements with the tax but echoed Gamero’s statement by referring to the need for infrastructure improvements. “We’re on the same hymn sheet when it comes to improvements, but for these there has to be a resumption of state investment and an improvement to the system of state financing for the Balearics. It is true that businesses are carrying tax burdens, but the problem is that (financial) resources raised here go elsewhere. With the support of all sectors, we have to negotiate with the state to improve the financing of the islands.”
Following this exchange, the tourism minister praised all those who received awards and reserved particular praise for the work of the Majorca Tourist Board. “It places value on the land, culture and patrimony of Majorca as the island’s principal offer.” The national government’s delegate to the Balearics, Teresa Palmer, with one eye on the international scene, delivered the closing speech. “During the current legislature (the Partido Popular national government) great efforts have been made on tourism security. The Balearics is a safe destination and the interior ministry has made every effort to ensure that it is.”
The award recipients were as follows: King Felipe VI with the commemorative medal for the 110th anniversary of the tourist board; Harald Oberkirch, posthumous gold medal (he died in September) for thirty years of leadership in Majorca on behalf of Neckermann (Thomas Cook); Anna Skidmore, the gold medal for thirty-five years of devoted work to the Majorca Tourist Board; Liberto Rigo, the gold medal for being the most veteran of the tourist board’s excursion guides.
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