Record employment

EMPLOYMENT figures in the tourist sector (hotels and catering) in 2006 is exceeding all the expectations of the bosses, the unions and the Balearic Government. In July there was a record number new contributors to Social Security in the hotels and catering sector, 106'786 according to figures from the Treasury department of Social Security. The Balearic Minister for Tourism said, “this is the most important pointer for the Balearic economy, more so than accommodation occupation figures, tourist spending or the amount of visitors and tourists. In 2003 polls found that the main worry among the Balearic population was unemployment, but now this is minimal and employment is growing”. Never before have such a number of workers been seen in the tourist sector, both employed and self employed, exceeding all previous figures. The excellent tourist season and the recovery of Majorca as the main holiday destination of the Mediterranean is responsible for this rise in employment.