Speaking about various tourism issues, Ensenyat today observed that the model of tourism in the Balearics is in the process of being revised and that this has to include discussion of sun-and-beach tourism. There have to be, he indicated, changes to degraded areas like Arenal and Magalluf's Punta Ballena.
On holiday rentals, he argued that they are a European and global phenomenon which do not amount to real competition for the Balearic hotel industry.
He said that everyone agrees that there has to be regulation, but that the question is how, especially given major problems of housing accommodation in the tourist season, such as is the case in Ibiza. "We must differentiate between where there is a serious problem and where it (holiday rental) acts as a stimulus. In Majorca the most problematic areas are in parts of Palma and certain other coastal regions. There again, a stimulus can be given to other areas."
With regard to responsibilities for tourism promotion that are set to be transferred to the Council, Ensenyat said that everything depends on how much is transferred. It should be aimed at "defining the tourist product, which means promotion above and beyond sun and beach".
The promotion should, he stressed, be guided by the type of product. "Fixing roads, promoting routes for gastronomy, hikers and cyclists. Enhancements to roads and lanes are not the same thing as going to travel fairs and offering pastries."
His proposal for the airport to be named Ramon Llull is based on the airport being a mark of identity for the image of Majorca and Llull being the island's "most universal figure". Adopting the name would "perpetuate his memory", draw him closer to people from elsewhere and associate him with the island "more so than alcoholic comas".
On the notion that the Council of Majorca might disappear, Ensenyat reckoned that this is a "discourse about Majorca imported from the mainland" and highlighted attitudes in the other islands. "Ask someone in Minorca, Ibiza or Formentera, and they will tell you that it is the regional government which should disappear."
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I think that comment about tourists being in an "alcoholic coma" is uncalled for considering the president's position and responsibility. Only a small minority of tourists may be thought of as being in this category. The report of this in the U.H. didn't mention that quote, and maybe I wonder if it wasn't put in by our editor to encourage comments! Neither would I call Ramon Llull the island's most "universal figure". Rather than that - and to drag the island into the 21st century, I suggest the airport be re-named "Aeropuerto Rafael Nadal" (note the castellano!)
Right Steve. Shops selling drinks offer competition to the bars, and supermarkets offer competition to the restaurants. Why not ban them all ?
So what if the private holiday rental sector does present competition to the hoteliers, - does that mean it's illegal ?
Actually, let alone failed to embrace the tourist model, Mallorca has failed to embrace Democracy. Much of the attitude and bureaucracy is locked in a time warp of the Franco era. Corruption at every level, Napoleonic laws and a Police State even in 2017. The all-importance of paperwork, even in a semi-literate society further shows the reality. Still, the sun's shining, let's have a beer and forget it !
There is little tourism in Mallorca except for 6 weeks a year to be honest. Nothing compared to Rome, Florence and Milan - who also have this level of tourism 365 days a year. Mallorca has failed to embrace modernisation of the tourist model ... stuck 15 years behind the rest of the world. Geneva airport at this moment now is heaving with hardly anywhere to move in departure lounge. However, the Swiss are not complaining only friendly and welcoming and happily speaking in many different languages. By the time they decide on Air BnB and Holiday Rentals the market will have moved on and a new phenomenon in the tourist model will already be buoyant elsewhere.