Editorial: Magalluf

“If you exchanged British tourists for another nationality in Magalluf their behaviour would be far worse.”  This statement was made to me by a leading Magalluf bar owner on Thursday night when I took part in a televised debate on Magalluf on local television station, IB3.  This was quite refreshing to hear because certain sections of Majorca believe that all the problems in Magalluf are caused by British tourists who can´t behave and do not act responsibly. Even local officials have said that it was an “educational”problem and British tourists heading to Magalluf should be “taught” about the risks of excessive drinking. You can´t blame the ills of Magalluf completely on British tourists. Over the last weeks I have heard both sides of the Magalluf story; from officials at the Calvia Council who naturally support the “crackdown” which has been launched, to the business community who believe that Magalluf is a wide and complex problem which involves all from hotels offering all inclusive packages to the bar trade. Someone also said to be me that it would be a good idea if some of the sexually explicit “souvenirs” which are sold in many tourist resorts on the island should be withdrawn from sale. One thing for sure there is no easy fix to the ills of Magalluf. But what Ihave seen over recent weeks is a willingness by all sides to work together and perhaps reach a compromise deal which could ensure that Magalluf´s ills would be cured.