One aspect of legislation that has been referred to regularly since he became minister is the tourism of excesses law, the original decree for which was in early 2020. He maintains that this can be greatly improved.
"Since it was approved, it has not been able to stop those negative and viral images that we all know. It must be modified, perhaps with tougher precautionary measures, attacking the offenders' attitudes more. When I have spoken of its failure, I have been referring above all to the fact that there is a subcommittee for this law that has never met. It is meant to make proposals for action to the government, town halls and the Spanish government delegation in the Balearics. This subcommittee is made up of political parties, employers, residents associations, precisely the people who are on the ground and who are the ones who can contribute the most.
There is a question as to the title of the law. He has proposed renaming it responsible tourism. "Negative terminology can put the focus on certain areas and on businesses operating in these areas."
In Magalluf, it has been suggested by the councillor for tourism at the Council of Mallorca, Marcial Rodríguez, that the law has generally been well applied. Playa de Palma appears to be the greater problem. Residents and hoteliers say that anti-social behaviour and crime are rampant. "We have problems such as the lack of police, difficulties in keeping reinforcements coming from the mainland due to the cost of living. It is a wide-ranging problem but we are committed to an eradication of these elements."
As to tourist saturation, he insists that it occurs in certain places and at certain times of the season - July, August and the second fortnight of June. "But I would avoid saying that the Balearics equate to tourist overcrowding."
Hoteliers blame holiday rentals and illegal offers for overcrowding. In his view it's not so simple. "We have experienced an increase of 115,000 tourist accommodation places over the last eight years, which represent 25% of the total. Infrastructure - water, roads, transport, etc. - have not improved to the same extent that tourism has grown. Another issue is the illegal offer. We do not know how many places we are talking about. And if we look at the resident population, it has also grown. Tourism should take the blame for all the problems we have."
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Richard PearsonWell that’s one way. But within the European Union Majorca can’t stop free movements . The infrastructure is old in the resorts . That is far from upmarket. Reports of Soller residents unhappy about upmarket visits . The recent article about Spains tourism minister looking to drum up off session trade from Americas and Mid East . Good luck with that one. With the West Indies and Malaysia, Bali as competition. Benidorm, Magaluf, playa de Palma, beer , beach , within half a day travel destinations. Not with its current offerings.
Richard PearsonThere is no easy answer other than to change the whole area along with Playa de Palma beach area. What worked in the 70's, 80's etc is not wanted now, they built it then why not take it down now. Change the zoning laws about how many bars can be in one street or the opening hours or the types of bars and clubs there can be. As for the crime and prostitutes that is a legal issue and until the government supplies enough police with powers of arrest and courts willing to hand down serious punishment and/or deportation for non residents then nothing will change. It's not like they have been complaining about this type of tourism for more years than I can remember, oh wait, they have. Close BCM, close Mega Park, if fact now Tolo Cursach is out of the way it should be easier. There are also too many hands in too many pockets still making a difference to who can do what and where. We all know this - well we should if we read the news - but crime is high in Mallorca now, so it's not going to attract the wealthy tourism they now seem to want on the island as they never frequent these "downtown' areas. Response anyone?
David HollandAt gun point ?
If you want to stop overcrowding on the island we’ll there’s two main doors to enter. The airport which I assume is the main door and the Palma sea port. Ok there’s little ports and entry points but not that much capacity. Limit foot fall through both those places and you restrict the number of people on the islands. With positive and negative effects obviously.
Peter PerfectSerious question. If you were in charge, what steps would you take to eliminate or at least turn the problem around ? Suggesting razing the place to ground wouldn’t, in my opinion, be a viable proposition. The article says, quote: “anti-social behaviour and crime are rampant”. Are they referring to short stay tourists or long stay/permanent residents, many, if not all of them have no family or cultural ties with the island and have little to no interest in it’s long term future. Thanks in advance for your considered opinion.
Can be but won't be.