YOUR VIEWS

WE have just returned from our 8th visit to Majorca and it coincided with the coldest time on record (Minus 6.8 at Lluc). This did not spoil our liking for the island and its people.

We noted the large expenditure being made to upgrade the old infrastructure of the island and applaud the expert manner in which buildings and walls are being restored.

However, there are matters which sadden us and will prevent us returning for a considerable time. The cost of eating out and drinks is exorbitant. It's no wonder there were so few British people on the island this time. Even the restaurants were virtually devoid of local people. On one occasion we watched planes land at Palma (from a viewpoint at St Eugene) and 21 out of 25 were Air Berlin. There was not one from the UK. The island needs the British as much as it needs others but this will not help in 2010. So many hotels were closed in resorts this year in March (eg The Daina in Pto Pollensa). Many local restaurants were not opening until later in the summer and some shops looked to have closed permanently. There will not be much trade when goods are so much cheaper in Britain. Only car hire and fuel was better priced. Even accommodation has risen considerably. Not a good sign. What can Majorca do? It can go upmarket (as I have seen suggested ) but it will not attract the British. Such a shame because it's a beautiful island. The local people are very worried, not only about this but about inflation. I have never seen so little being purchased in Inca market and in the Inca Leather Shops (and in the local shops themselves). Locals were only purchasing from discount clothes and vegetable stalls. The rest were getting no business at all. They were deserted.

There are numerous holiday makers travelling to Egypt, Thailand and Turkey. Majorca is going to suffer dreadfully.
What can be done?

Graham Taylor