Minister up beat about tourism

An upbeat Balearic Minister for Tourism, Celesti Alomar, said yesterday that he is convinced that the Balearics will continue to be a tourism example, not only for Spain, but “also for many other countries around the world.” Looking back over his first year as Minister, he said he is satisfied with how the tourist industry, which has witnessed an unexpected slump in the German market this summer, has developed and the work his department has carried out. He admitted that this summer had been “a little complicated.” But looking ahead to the future and the forthcoming winter and summer seasons, he said that he intends to continue with his battle against the illegal accommodation market, which recently has taken a new angle with over 140 foreign websites being found offering unregistered accommodation in Majorca. One of Alomar's other main objectives, is to introduce a model for the tourist industry which will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Alomar believes that the region's environment has to be given maximum importance and value in order to guarantee the islands' attraction which this year has been dented by stiff competition from resorts across the Mediterranean.