The associations made the statement after the controversy generated by the publication in the British media of reports indicating that British tourists were not welcome in Mallorca, something that the business organisations flatly reject.
“What we expect from our representatives is more seriousness, that is why we demand the respect deserved by the tourist activity which they never tire of boasting about when it suits them to say that ‘we are a leading destination’,” they said.
The associations complained that the “constant bombardment of anti-tourist messages” is damaging the sector and called for “caution and responsibility” to avoid controversies that damage Mallorca as a tourist destination, such as the one that arose this week as a result of statements made to the British media by officials of the Council of Mallorca.
“This is what happens when ideology takes precedence over responsibility and messages are consciously sent out that are contrary to what the tourist destination needs. We are an open destination and welcome tourists with open arms, we are not associations of rejection and exclusion”, said the FEHM and the ACHB.
The associations urged politicians to “work on improving the product and the management of the destination and not issuing messages rejecting visitors and the activity itself”.
The Council of Mallorca’s tourism boss, Lucia Escribiano was quoted as saying by The Sun newspaper that they were not interested in welcoming British holidaymakers to the island next summer.
Similar stories were carried by other British newspapers.
But Lucia Escribano has told the Bulletin: “Of course we want British tourists. They are more than welcome. British tourism to the island is key. I don’t understand this headline that British tourists are not welcome. It is so far from the truth,” she said.
The opposition Partido Popular has however called for the resignation of Escribiano.
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David HollandI have precious few gripes with Brits personally. Or anyone for that matter. But look at the continuous stream of self-flattering entitlement narratives that would lead any outside observer to sense some kind of desperation going on here. British media is pretty unique in its need to reassure Britain that it's still the best. And in the bubble of British insularity, it's much easier to achieve. Playing victim is merely another way to reassure itself. There's an old saying; when you're dead, everybody else knows it except you. It applies when you're living in s bubble too. And that's why outside observers find it entertaining.
Morgan WilliamsOh Morgan I am very real . And not in any way a victim, or with out many choices. Or a tattooed , fat , cheap, beer seeking burger eating yob , that is constantly reminiscing on glories past. That you seemed to be obsessed with. If that is the type of Brit, or as you commonly mainly state English ,you engage and meet with . May I respectfully suggest that you change your acquaintance circle. You will find most Brits are not that way. Sure some of my fellow countryman can be unpleasant usually with drink. I’ve met some on my travels and on occasion had words with them. But honestly in proportion no worse than other nationals.. If you read my first paragraph few care about the current restrictions I certainly don’t because it affects me not a jot. The MDB is a Spanish territory publication so why would it deliberately tarnish its reputation with false reporting. The ministers reported comments may have been a lost in translation moment. But they follow a period of similar statements and language from Spanish and Majorca officials. Widely syndicated. Not only in the usual suspects you quote. I know people on the island who are acquaintances and some we consider friends. Just ordinary folk who have made me very welcome on our frequent visits over the last 20 years. Many British and Majorca folk will have similar experience , in family run small hotels , bars, cafés with long term staff and residents. Neither group will benefit from inflammatory language you seem so keen on uttering .
David HollandDo you read what's written here? Even your own narratives at times sound suspiciously victim card. The constant stream of victim card articles here are a great source of entertainment. From the driving licence victim, to passports, to only being able to live here for 90 days as a foreigner.. Then on to fabricated, made up nonexistent anti-British tourism rhetoric at a London tourism trade event where the entire purpose is to promote the balearics to the English market. Get real.
Christopher GrubbAround ten years ago my wife and I after years of shall we or won’t we on buying a Majorca property decided we won’t option . We had previously owned a second home in the English Lake District. The limitations costs and tax considerations where not viable. Both working The people who have holidays have holiday homes argument also influenced that decision. Now we are both retired I still consider the decisions the right one. As much as we love the island I’ll continue to if we visit the island use the usual hotel.. We don’t want a home from home, but a holiday option. World wide.
Well after the various statements of the past week, I am totally unclear what Spain and Mallorca actually want. They appear to be going in totally opposite directions. It makes investing in Mallorca a lottery. We started the week with scary stories (for those owning already, or considering buying property here) that non residents were to be prevented from buying property on Mallorca (apparently a minor party had proposed a motion to the Balearic parliament who subsequently voted in support of it). Then we had some news that Spain wants to encourage non-EU “digital nomads” to set up a base in Spain and if they do they’ll get 5 year visas and special tax breaks! Great if you’re a YouTuber or Instagrammer, but what about me as a retiree…..am I welcome on Mallorca? Can I buy a house here?? Next came some information that the Spanish government love foreigners so much they were considering ignoring the 90 in 180 rule for non EU citizens. Fabulous. But not much use for me if I am prevented from buying a house in Mallorca. Then we read that a Balearic tourism minister is making statements that some, or maybe all British tourists aren’t welcome any longer in Mallorca. The news from Mallorca just gets worse and worse. As somebody considering investing in Mallorcan property, I am left totally confused by all these mixed messages in just one week from the Madrid and Mallorcan governments. Impossible for me to determine whether my investment and my planned retirement in Mallorca is welcome or not. So perhaps time to review my plans and find somewhere better and safer to invest my funds somewhere, that really knows what it wants from foreigners / non residents??
Morgan WilliamsDo you ever read what you write on this comment section. And think. Most Brits who visit the island on holiday , no way consider themselves victims. Brexit affects have not touched their existence at all. They don’t care and are unaffected by 90 day rules as they work 48 weeks a year ,driving licences restrictions irrelevant to holiday makers and will never consider buying a home because it’s a unaffordable dream to most. They buy a holiday like most other purchases like the commodity it is. Nothing more. Like a blue ford car or a red ford car it’s the same just a minor difference. Majorca is a holiday destination Greece or mainland Spain and many others the same , just a different place. And airline ticket details. Yes Majorca is desirable by being familiar to many with previous good holiday experience and easily accessed. But to most it’s a warm sunny place with a hotel a beach and a nice affordable place to have a beer and food. Sure the Magaluf area has extreme hedonism but so does playa de Palma.if the island doesn’t want this type of tourism don’t sell it. If the island seriously doesn’t want the U.K. volume trade don’t sell it. Majorca’s choice. No one else’s. There is loads of identical fords out there to buy in many different colours. That’s the consumers choice not a victims option.
Mallorca is an extremely popular tourist destination. It gets crowded in summer, but it could stand a bit more winter tourism to balance things out. A small political contingent are denouncing tourism. Loudly. Everybody else is trying to be pragmatic and better mange tourism to maintain consistent quality and balance out the seasonal nature of it. Everybody wins. This misguided sensationalism isn't helping. And frankly, it increasingly sounds suspiciously like a big fat British victim card. Nobody else is engaging in this victimisation play or fabrication of imaginary anti-(enter nationality of choice) sentiment. They have no reason to.