Inspectors from the regional tourism ministry have launched a campaign this month directed at the control of all-inclusive hotel offer and its marketing. The tourism minister, Biel Barceló, says that the inspections will focus on hotels that are not registered as offering all-inclusive, pointing out that they have had sufficient time to register. Currently, there are 53 hotels registered with the ministry, when the number is very much higher: 297 in total.
Barceló adds that the inspections will look at the control of services provided, quality and marketing. "This is a type of accommodation that has a harmful impact on the complementary and restaurant sector; hence the interest in rooting out any offer that is not legal."
The hotels that have registered are likely to find themselves down the list of inspectors' priorities. The main focus will be on those where it is known that there is an all-inclusive offer but which haven't registered.
The director-general for tourism, Pilar Carbonell, explains that the ministry knows which hotels are offering what. A telematic scan of tour operators and travel websites has identified them.
The main resort areas with the highest number of all-inclusive hotels are on Alcudia bay, in Capdepera, Colonia Sant Jordi, Cala d'Or, Playa de Palma and in the principal parts of Calvia - Magalluf, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa and Paguera. As to any penalties that are likely to be imposed, Carbonell says that inspectors will first hear what explanations are given before deciding on taking action. She stresses, though, that any hotel violating the tourism law can expect to be punished.
The hotels will not be the only establishments liable to inspection. Carbonell adds that inspectors will also be looking at businesses near to the hotels, such as bars, restaurants and rental firms of different types. This will be in order to maximise the number of inspections to be carried out.
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All inclusive Hotels are not the problem if the quality of the "regular' bars and restaurants offer a high standard and move with the times. You can't have a poorly maintained and run down restaurant with an uninspiring selection of Fish & Chips/Full English Breakfast and then blame the all-inclusive hotels in your area for destroying your business. Or own a bar which does not differ from all the other 100's of bars in the resort, serve cheap booze in dirty glasses and don't clean your toilets. Vacationers will always pay extra if there is a great "Want vs. Need" proposition.... i.e. they don't need to eat in another restaurant/drink in another bar, but they want to because its modern, well designed, has great service and inspiring food. Get you act together independent operators, be creative, invest some money and stop complaining. Personally, I am tired of all the substandard restaurants and bars all over Mallorca's resorts. You don't hear any complaints from the operators who get it right as they are fully booked during the summer.
When I lived in Santa Ponsa in the late 1990's,it was booming compared to how it is now,the growth in all-inclusive has not benefited most of the local population as it has resulted in the closure of bars,restaurants,cafes etc and had a further effect on coach trips,water parks and other tourist attractions as more and more people go all-inclusive and spend much less outside their hotels and this has led to more job losses for local people.
At last !!!. Why does it take years for those in power to realise that the Hoteliers are taking control of Mallorca's Economy. The Hotels are so powerful now, that they will eventually control every business with their ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE DEALS. How many businesses have already gone bankrupt because of the Hoyels greed. Local restaurants,bars,shops, car hire, agency's etc. Plus the loss of jobs and increased poverty, because of the All Inclusive policy. WAKE UP!! MALLORCA.,
All inclusive holidays have there place in particular for families with young children on a fixed budget. Those who do not have this requirement must be encouraged to spend in the local economy,but a greater customer experience must be provided in resorts. This could also be helped by supporting a Food Hygiene Rating Scheme similar to that in the UK. Consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, takeaways and food shops.How many times do first impressions count and could this provide a simple marketing exercise to create the first impression on hygiene standards to eat or buy displayed on the door. TripAdvisor as become the tool of the modern tourist to seek out restaurants to visit whilst on our holidays with our mobile devices yet after reading a review there are few who offer an online booking platform in Majorca. They say you work from the customer backwards. Don't bemoan the all inclusive offer.
The all inclusive hotels killed off the trade in the restaurants in Cala Dor. We noticed this the last time we visited the area. This is a shame for the local economy.