Challenges and opportunities for Mallorca's tourism in 2024

What will happen to the ‘Tourism of Excesses’ which was a flagship policy of the previous administration and in particular the red zones that were created in the resorts of Magalluf, Arenal, Playa de Palma and San Antonio in Ibiza. We’ve talked about this before but the biggest problem was it should have been the whole of the resorts and not a map drawn that conveniently left out certain establishments. The new Government has said it will change the policy but we are yet to find out exactly what that will be.

The Tourist Tax has been a political hot potato since its introduction in 2016. Its aim was to fund projects encouraging a sustainable, responsible and high-quality tourism model, particularly projects that boost the preservation of the environment (nature, country life, agriculture and sea life), off-season tourism, historical sites and cultural heritage, research and development. In some cases this was true but there have been questions as to where some of the money has gone. A perfect example this week, a story broke that of the 53 municipalities in Mallorca 9 do not have water fit for human consumption. Remember the advert ‘the water in Mallorca don't taste like what it oughta?’ Well surely that’s a project that should have funds given to it.

The taxi situation in July and August is an absolute joke. Despite the introduction of Uber there are not enough taxis to meet the demand particularly in high season. I’ve checked out the cost of obtaining a licence and it can vary but you are looking north of 100,000€ and in some cases you can double or triple that. You don’t hear many complaints about the buses, trains or even the airlines, so surely someone can come up with a taxi plan? Something needs to be done as it’s not helping the tourists and likewise the residents that live here.

I touched on this subject a couple of weeks ago but the graffiti situation seems to be getting worse. I’m all for controlled graffiti in certain areas but the situation right now is getting out of control. More importantly it creates a negative impression for tourists arriving on the island. My suggestion was to set up cameras to catch the people and make them clean it up. Some Cities have set up designated graffiti areas, Miami is a very good example of this. All graffiti is illegal in Miami-Dade County. If convicted, the vandal will be fined, may face jail time, may have to pay restitution, and will have to complete community service hours. Parents of offenders may be liable for damages. Graffiti once was considered a sign of urban decay, the sort of thing that might keep tourists away from a neighborhood. Now, not only is it an accepted art form, but it’s also the subject of a new tour in one of Miami’s trendiest neighborhoods, Wynwood, where legal outdoor murals by graffiti artists cover the walls near art galleries and restaurants. The two-hour tour — which has participants riding Vespas — is offered by a company called Roam Rides. It starts with a 15-minute ride from Miami Beach over the Venetian Causeway to the Wynwood Arts District, considered the mecca of Miami’s emerging arts scene, and includes four or five stops to survey the area’s best graffiti. The tour ends with lunch at a happening Wynwood restaurant. Now there’s an idea for Palma City Council.

I’ve touched on the negatives here which is something I wouldn’t normally do but let’s remember nothing is perfect and by tackling these issues we will become better.

Mallorca is a beautiful island of contrast. From the beautiful beaches in the North, to the mountains of the West, the caves and coves of the East and the bustling busy nightlife of the South. There is something for absolutely everyone.

If ever there is a destination built for tourism it is our island. It hasn’t been one of the most popular destinations in the World for the last 50 years for nothing. It is in my opinion still one of the best holiday destinations, an island with turquoise blue waters, secret coves, soft golden sands, lush green foliage, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, amazing cuisine, an up and coming wine industry, bustling nightlife and a vibrant capital city. We’re also an island in the Med only a couple of hours flight from most European cities.