Dear Sir,

Figures from Egatur data confirm that in 2012 over two thirds of tourists to Spain booked their own holidays, and that about the same percentage rented apartments on a self catering basis. The islands' tourist industry are now actively stopping these holidaymakers coming at all, by enforcing the ludicrous law banning short term lettings of apartments in urban areas. Why do they want to shoot the economies of the islands in the foot? Why do they only work with travel companies that we now know only supply one third of the market? Why are they allowed to get away with it? The British were the biggest spenders last year, and they are particularly keen on self catering apartments, but this market could be snuffed out from fear over the law. You state that it is good news that a new air service will fly to Heathrow from Palma next year, but you have yet to state that Ryanair has announced today, it is reducing its fleet flying to Spain by nearly one third in protest at airport taxes, that they say are up to four times higher than elsewhere in Europe. The outlook for the islands looks truly grim for next year, unless someone in authority sees sense, and allows short term holiday lettings of otherwise empty holiday properties. Don't let them forget, this market is two thirds of every holiday taken in Spain! In hope, but with little expectation
Richard Taylor, Calvia.