José Espartero, Ryanair’s sales and marketing manager for Spain and Portugal, announced in Palma today that a proposal has been made to the regional government and to Aena to bring 1.5 million more passengers per annum into the Balearics in exchange for “the lowest costs possible” during the low season. The request was formulated only last month and has, therefore, only recently been made.
Transport
Ryanair throws down the gauntlet over winter flights
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The winter shut down has become endemic. People DO want to come here but a lot of the island has reached a cosy situation where, to be frank, it can't be bothered. It suits the hoteliers to lay people off for the winter months, it can even suit the laid off people if they can get cash-in-hand work or some form of benefits to see them through. A lot of the bar owners just shrug their shoulders and have long holidays instead. Having said that, there ARE quite a lot of people who WANT to work to provide tourism and if Ryanair's proposal was agreed, and if some "pockets" of tourism were kept open and promoted, it would work. We are already seeing that Palma is getting a lot of its hotels used over winter as tourists wake up to the continuing attractions. Give Ryanair what they want, it is worth a try as long as the proper efforts are made in Mallorca...and that includes an up to date trustworthy website in several languages for tourists to peruse accommodation and a list of events and attractions. WHY NOT?
Congratulations Ryanair but I am not holding my breath no point in lowering your prices just so they can tax you when you arrive
I doubt this proposal will see fruition. Mallorca is used to working from May to October, and has become conditioned to 6 months of rest , and semi-retirement. No Hotels, No Bars, No Shops, No attractions, No Employment, Ghost Urbanisations , No Tourist Tax , No revenue.
Now let's see if the hoteliers and this government REALLY want tourists in the winter. I suspect nothing will come of it. They need the winter to do all their building improvements in those 'ghost resorts' - look at Can Picafort for example. Everything covered in black plastic - even the telephone kiosk! Mallorca will never be busy in winter like Benidorm - the climate is not warm enough. The hotels and villa companies won't open up and risk employing staff on the off chance that a few tourists will come. BUT let's be very brave here. Give Ryan Air what they want, at least restore a connection to Scotland. Us Scots have always been loyal to the island and many of us live here. It is sad when you see that so many German airlines manage to come in winter. Even if just a few more hotels on the Maritimo and Playa de Palma took the plunge it would be a brave move, create more jobs, keep the Palma shops, bars etc. busy. And Sr. Barcelo - think of all the extra euros coming into your tax coffers. (sorry - sustainable tourism fund).
The Ryanair proposal makes complete sense and deserves serious consideration. We ,in Scotland, would like to visit Mallorca in the winter months and our family in Mallorca would also like to "come home" during the winter.