Independent party maps out new tourist business and education plan for Calvia

Speaking in Palmanova, Antoni Rami, the TxC candidate, presented the four keystone policies which he claims will propel Calvia into an optimistic future. His so-called “Plan for Competitivity and Employment in Calvia” (PECEC) will map out schemes to generate jobs and business activity in the low season months of November to April, look at ways to improve the quality of the already-existing “sun, sea and sand” tourist offer, consider means of boosting employment in the months of May, June and October, and rethink the educational future of children who are living in the municipality.

After having analysed the strengths and weaknesses of tourist business and the current socio-economic situation in Calvia, the TxC party put forward suggestions to set up activities which would be complementary to the seasonal industry, such as festivals, dancing competitions, diving sessions and excursionism.

Rami also proposed that hoteliers who stay open in the winter months should be exempt from Social Security contributions so that there is an economic incentive for them to remain open all-year-round, and thereby extending what would otherwise be just seasonal jobs.

Responding to a question about curbing the activity of “ticket touts” - sales personnel advertising local businesses through handing out leaflets on the street - Rami claimed that the ban put on the practice by Calvia's current Partido Popular Mayor, Carlos Delgado has been a “complete failure” and that regulatory bylaws need to be put in place.

So far as municipal finances are concerned, Rami proposed that 15 million euros needed to be taken out of public spending and invested in making Calvia more competitive as a tourist destination and in creating employment.

The TxC candidate went one step further by saying that the way that the 15 million euros should be spent needs to be put out to a popular vote amongst local people on the internet.