Good news for nautical sector as show opens

The Balearic and international yachting community breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when the Balearic vice-president Pere Sampol announced that the local government intends to increase the number of moorings in the Balearics. The nautical industry has been crying out for more moorings for years as demand for berths in the Balearics has been steadily increasing, but their sector's pleas have been constantly silenced by environmentalists - but during the inauguration of the annual international boat show in Palma yesterday Sampol, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Economy, announced that the number of moorings are to be “moderately” increased while damage to land will be kept to a near minimum. Sampol said that the autonomous government is fully aware of the important role nautical tourism plays in the Balearics and that the authorities appreciate that the industry attracts quality tourism and it is therefore in the government's interests to increase the number of moorings and help the nautical industry expand. However, Sampol was quick to stress that any planed growth in moorings must be “compatible” with the environment. This year's international boat show is being used to highlight fresh efforts to increase the importance of Balearic ports and marinas in the international nautical industry.