18/10/2013 00:00
TW
0

Palma.—Chamber of Commerce President Joan Gual had strong words for Central Government yesterday after Madrid had made it known they would put a limit to aircraft and ferry fares to which the Balearic 50 percent discount could be applied. “The resident discount is untouchable,” Gual said “so that to introduce a new law for a few exceptions isn't worth the while, especially if it prejudices the rights of regional residents.” Gual said that he was positively alarmed by the changes. “It's time for all political parties to take steps,” he furthered. “This is a clear move by Central Government to put restrictions on the rights of Balearic residents to the 50 percent discount.” “We are absolutely against these limitations and it is very puzzling that a Central Government which has been so intent on making spending cuts has approved 2'000 million euros for the high speed train in Galicia,” Gual claimed.

Disadvantages
He explained that the Chamber of Commerce had been saying for years that the Balearic Islands are at an economic disadvantage by virtue of their being an island community. “Government policy is not proving favourable to the Balearic Islands,” Gual said.
Deciding to buy an aircraft or a ferry ticket for immediate departure or to reserve it a week before departure could mean a great deal in difference in costfor the traveller.

The airlines apply cheap tariffs to attract the largest quota of the market, but the surprise comes at the time of reserving the flight, given that the price could go up by as much as 50 percent. The price is gauged according to a predetermined number of seats which could rise at the moment that the traveller decides to reserve the ticket and purchase it on the internet.

The President of the Balearic Travel Agencies Association, Sylvia Riera, yesterday agreed with the Majorcan Chamber of Commerce by saying that Central Government action is “prejudicing Islanders even more.” She also pointed out that there were no subsidies on seats other than the cheapest, and certainly none for first class travel.
She said that sometimes in emergency situations, Balearic residents have to buy a ticket on the day or have to purchase the most expensive seat in tourist class.