Editorial: Changing times

THE President of the Balearic Government, Jose Ramon Bauza, will visit Magalluf today as part of a tour of the municipality of Calvia. But Bauza will not be seeing “old Magalluf” rather than the “new Magalluf” which fits rather nicely with his call for more investment in the resorts. Magalluf may have its own well publicised problem but it is also receiving massive amounts in private investment in the form of upgraded hotels and attractions. So rather than being a blot on Majorca´s horizon, Magalluf could become the future. The Melia Hotel Group is investing many millions of euros on upgrading its hotels and other companies are also spending big on changing the face of the resort. But, although the long-term future for the resort is looking rosy the present is not so upbeat. There are still big problems with “muggers masquerading as prostitutes” and perhaps it might be an idea if Bauza also met some of the members of the business community in Punta Ballena. They would give him a real insight into Magalluf; from the problems with crime, to all inclusive holidays, illegal excursions, rowdy behaviour, the list goes on. But at least Bauza is setting foot in Magalluf. In years to come Magalluf could be the resort which everyone loves to like rather than its present reputation as the resort which everyone likes to hate. Times are changing and if a Balearic President heads to a resort then it must mean that Magalluf is moving up.