Security stepped up at Balearic airports and ports

Balearic airports, maritime ports, resorts and tourist yachts have all been put on high security alert after the weekend's car bombing in Salou and Monday's exploding toy which killed a grandmother and blinded a small child. Tourism bosses across Europe have said that there is no need for alarm but tourists should keep their eyes open for any suspicious situations. Some foreign tour operators are already complaining that the warnings will scare tourists and further damage the Spanish tourist industry, which has been badly tarnished through a succession of events this season. In Majorca, the security is already tight due to the extensive Royal presence over the last few months. The Island has had a fluctuating tourist level this season, with the coach strike early in the summer putting a large dent in last minute bookings. The message from the Government is that they are in control and that tourists should have nothing to be concerned about. Earlier this year ETA, the Basque separatist group, warned tourists to stay away from Spain as it would be targeting popular destinations. So far it has launched half a dozen attacks in key tourist areas. ETA has fought for the independence of the Basque regions of Northern Spain and Southwest France for 33 years. In that time, it is thought to have been responsible for about 800 killings, including 12 this year. After this week's attacks, the Foreign Office warned British Tourists to be aware that “future attacks may not carry warnings...” Irish visitors are not being advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs to change their travel plans but all over Ireland and Britain, tour operators are warning holidaymakers to be vigilant. Chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) Brendan Moran said that there was no sense of panic among holidaymakers in Spain and those arriving on holiday were being advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious packages to the authorities.