The same old story

THE Mayor of Palma, Mateo Isern, should be congratulated for trying to make the city a getaway weekend holiday destination throughout the year. He has been holding talks with British tour firms who are interested in the idea. But while I believe that Palma could easily rival Barcelona as one of Europe´s top weekend destinations, there is still plenty of work to be done. Shops must be encouraged to stay open later in the evening and also they must start opening on a Sunday. I know it sounds amazing but a large number of city restaurants close on a Sunday along with tourist information offices. Infact some museums are also closed.  If we want more weekend visitors during the Winter months then it is vital that all attractions are open. Palma is probably one of the easiest places to promote as a Winter destination in Majorca because all businesses and hotels remain open. But the council needs to change the mindset of many business owners who open around the domestic market rather than tourists. In some ways it is the same story with cruise ships. A large number of these giant vessels visit on a Sunday, when Palma´s commercial heart is a ghost town.  This state of affairs is costing Palma a small fortune. If we want Winter tourists they need entertainment, they need shops and restaurants which are open. This is not the usual chicken and egg claim about Winter tourism, this  is just good business sence. If Palma wants Winter tourists it must be open.