The new mayor of Calvia, Juan Amengual, has said that he wants to keep beaches open and active all year. But while the mayor has ideas for the off season, the summer season is proving to be problematic - in Magalluf at any rate.
Nearby beaches such as Son Matias are as popular as ever, but businesses are complaining about a lack of beachgoers in Magalluf - both tourists and residents.
Reasons given for this situation include all-inclusive hotels and a young tourist profile, one that tends to sleep during the day in order to party at night. So low is the demand that not all the sunloungers are being put out. The resort itself is busy enough - over 80% hotel occupancy at the least. But beachside businesses as well as the beach services are not benefiting to the extent that they should be.
The town hall will be working on attracting more family tourism, but meanwhile the councillor for tourism, Elisa Monserrat, has told businesses that measures will be introduced to attract more residents. It's said that Magalluf beach is "unknown" to many Mallorcans, though might it be that residents shun Magalluf.
One of these measures will be improved signage to direct residents to car parking that is available in the area but not well publicised. Another will be to highlight beach clubs and their all-day services, including breakfast to dinner.
As to the ambitions for all-year tourism, plans are to be developed for leisure and cultural tourism and for using the Mallorca Live Festival site (the old Aquapark) in low-season months.
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Finbar SaundersOtherwise, between the difficulties Britain is facing along with continuing patronage of party animals, the numbers of Brits may be squeezed a bit. It will take some time, but I'm hearing regular ads for Magaluf on Inselradio now, along with extensive promotion across continental European media, so the transition is may be well underway. But it will take time. The reputation needs a reset. But hardly a "turd". And by all indications, this one's getting polished as we speak.
Finbar SaundersIt's hardly a "turd". In fact, it has enormous potential. That's what all the changes are about. Unfortunately, the reputation continues. But I seriously doubt that's the only reason for (supposedly) empty beaches. For one thing, if it gets to be 36° in England, it's like a nuclear bomb threat (intolerable, dangerous). So, it wouldn't be any surprise that some might be hiding indoors in the afternoons.
As i've said before about the place. You can't polish a turd.
Parking anywhere near the beach is near imposible in the summer. It's not that people don't know where car parks are, it's that the few there are are always full. The site of the old Atlantic Hotel used to be available and used as a car park, right next to the beach... but that's another story.