Palma30/07/2017 00:00
There are just too many tourists in Majorca during the peak summer months is what people are saying on the island at the moment. From politicians to local residents everyone appears to be saying that enough is enough. But do we have too many tourists? Or are we just moaning for the sake of it?
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Stop complaining - in my opinion there are not enough tourists here - Magaluf and Santa Ponsa are actually quiet this year. Just build more inland large water parks and attractions then the visitors to be distributed. Yes the beaches get busy on a Saturday and Sunday - but that is normal in any part of the world when you have a large population who only work Monday to Fridays.Try Venice, Rome and Florence - they have an intense number of tourists in a compact area for 365.Personally not enough holiday makers in my opinion.
'Saturación' Jason - our new buzz word! It's nearly August. There are lots of tourists, and our loony leftists are one year away from being booted out. There is supposed to be a freeze on hotel construction according to the moratium, but what about all the boutique hotel licences which don't apply and already in process of gaining licences? And tourists are already going elsewhere. There is a limit to what they will spend. Increases in tourist tax will bring less next year. Even up north those stupid stickers claiming that the island is for mallorquins rather than tourists are appearing. I would call this racism. And more residents every year here mean less properties to rent at affordable rents. Market forces dictate rental prices. And property owners will not rent to residents if they can't be guaranteed their money due to defaulters protected by our stupid laws. As you say winter is not far off, and we will be complaining about the lack of tourists!
What an erudite and discerning article. This island would be nothing without mass tourism. The numerous tourist organizations should be concerned with satisfying the needs of the tourist, be that hotel, villa or boat to name but three, rather than giving the increasing feeling that they are not wanted or welcome.
One thing the Government should get a grip on is the need to collect tax from those who rent out properties - either short or long term. I know of owners who insist on being paid in cash every month - they will not allow payment by direct debit. I doubt very much that the tax authorities know anything about these payments. The old "brown envelope" brigade still exists ! We should welcome all tourists, Summer and Winter. Without them the Island economy would collapse. It´s a great shame that those in power cannot get their act together in order to look after tourists well from the minute they land on Mallorcan soil until the minute they leave. It´s not as if it´s a surprise that they turn up here. That´s why there are so many flights, hotels and apartments !
I totally agree your comment. The 6 Week School Holiday period is when Mallorca is saturated with Tourists. But, Mallorca has had decades to improve its operating facilities.They are gradually getting more efficient. But the volume of Tourists are still being treated badly. The Airport is not efficient enough in several areas. The Transport facility is still problematical.. Certain shops and bar/restaurants are closing as a result of the Hotels All Inclusive Tariffs. If and when Mallorca improves in the aforementioned conditions, then the 6 week saturation of Tourists could be more tolerable by everyone.
Yes - the tourist is the customer not the invader. There is very little industry or commerce on the island which is not connected either directly or indirectly with tourism. Living standards for most residents are reasonably high but if those residents don't treat the customer properly they will shop elsewhere. Cherish what you have before you lose it.