Business associations and unions agree with the government that it is necessary to take steps to increase tourism quality (another of Barceló's themes) and to lengthen the summer season, thereby reducing the impact of seasonality.
But as to whether the Balearic Islands are at their limit in terms of being able to cope with the high numbers of tourists, opinions diverge. The Afedeco traders' association says that this is a "risky" diagnosis, while the other traders' association - Pimeco - and the Balearic confederation of business associations believe that placing limits on numbers is not the solution. There needs instead to be a message that conveys a better image of tourism to the public.
The travel agencies' association, the CCOO union and the Majorca Tourist Board all agree with the messages regarding sustainability and quality, but the general view from all sources is that there aren't too many tourists.
One organisation which does take issue with the government is the environmental pressure group GOB. It might be recalled that Barceló's party, Més, is often styled as "eco-nationalist", but despite this environmental element, GOB accuses him and the government of engaging in "outrageous propaganda". The sustainable tourism campaign is all about pandering to the wishes of unions and business associations, GOB maintains. It argues that there should be a decrease in tourist numbers and implies that the government is merely coming out with platitudes and not providing any concrete definitions or solutions.
In order to emphasise its stance, GOB yesterday staged a protest outside the tourism ministry against the massive numbers and the government's tourism policies. GOB's spokesperson, Margalida Ramis, said that Majorca is totally full and added ironically that if someone comes to the island and has problems with finding anywhere to stay, the ministry will offer "a unique experience to enjoy this paradise that is being destroyed". The parody that GOB staged also drew attention to the availability of rental accommodation and so to the contentious issue of how to regulate holiday rentals.
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I, and every other person in the world called Mike, wish to distance ourselves from the moronic and self-serving comments of the utter plonker below.
Hello Mike, I think you have some anger issues, I can suggest a good therapist in Palma.
Mike. To be fair to Wolfgang, his original post has the most positive votes and your 2 posts currently have a total of -1. He might well be a dickhead, but that doesnt mean that you arent either.
Sorry dickhead but I live here on Mallorca and put enough money into this islands coffers for the corrupt to spend on new cars and suits ! The only one that should go back is you ! oh sorry I forgot your country is as much use as a chocolate teapot , where is it again oh it don't matter because like you nobody wants to live or go there do they ?
As it seems from several related articles on this site where local politicians and others want to stop tourists coming to Mallorca (which largely pays their wages either directly or indirectly) would it help if we all stayed at home and just sent you a few hundred pounds each year so you can continue to live in the style to which you have been accustomed?
Mike, do one and go back to your council house. Northern lass, goodbye, we wont miss you as you are low rent and poor. Enjoy your greek island full of refugees next year, adios.
What's this clown Wolfgang talking about I don't know any Spanish with a name like that oh no he's an immigrant it looks like he's the only big got and moron one that needs a smack
Well, to be honest, Wolfgang may get his wish regarding not wanting tourists - I love Mallorca, I love the 4* hotel which I visit (and don't do all inclusive - so money goes into locality), I love the beauty of the island, but I feel that this year may be my last for a while. Sadly, when booking a holiday in Mallorca, "rip-off" comes to mind - car hire is extortionate, having paid for the holiday I will now be topping-up your taxes when I arrive at my hotel (for one week only - can't afford longer). Be careful of what you wish for Mr Wolfgang - as a Brexiteer (and would vote so again, if needed), I feel inclined to spend my money elsewhere. You may think the British economy is in decline, but not for long - and certainly not to the depths of the Spanish economy. If visitors don't feel welcome - then you can kiss goodbye to your local economy. ;-)
According to a British daily newspaper, it´s more expensive to holiday in the UK than abroad, so, and probably much to Wolfgang´s disgust, it looks like even more northerners, of which I can proudly say to be one, will be coming to Mallorca on holiday.
To be honest Wolfster it doesn't bother me. I enjoy people watching and the "lower classes" are often more interesting to see. While there are 1and 2 star hotels and lots of "chicken and chips" cafes they will always be here. I voted out and come from Edinburgh.