This ban will receive the government's blessing. In order to rectify the situation with the holiday rentals' legislation, an agreement was reached with Podemos on the principle of "emergency housing". This will mean a ban on holiday rentals in apartments in Palma and almost the whole of Ibiza. The precise text of a government decree to cover this will be worked on this week. The decree, expected to be approved by parliament in September, will restore the possibility of commercialising and therefore licensing apartment rentals everywhere except Palma and Ibiza.
* Campaigners for "The city is for those who live in it, not for those who visit it" yesterday symbolically closed the tourism ministry, protesting against "massification".
Limiting tourist accommodation
Meanwhile, the Council of Majorca, aided by the government, was working on defining limits to the number of tourist accommodation places in Majorca. These are places for all types of accommodation and will include the 40,000 plus places specified in the rentals' legislation. The Council has needed to draw up a plan for intervention in tourist areas in order to determine limits, decide zones for holiday rentals and allocate the additional places. Under the plan, there will be no additional places (for any type of accommodation) in six resort areas, among them Magalluf and Playa de Palma.
Dying of success
Against this background, the Cercle d'Economia de Mallorca, linked to the Chamber of Commerce, made a plea for all interested groups, organisations, political parties and the public to think less about their own particular interests and arrive at an agreement for the "common benefit". It said: "There are objective reasons to believe that Majorca is dying of success due to the massive influx of tourists." Its arguments were in favour of qualitative rather than quantitative growth for a sustainable future that takes account of the environment, the island's security and worker skills and salaries (considered to be too low).
Excursions' sales slump
The Balearic association of travel agents was complaining about a drop in the sale of excursions. Its members have experienced a 50% decline over five years. It identified a lack of product innovation as one reason for the drop. We pointed out that this time last year the same thing was being said, except then the drop in sales was quoted as 40% over four years. Attaching blame to all-inclusives, we observed, was hardly new: the attractions' association has been talking about the harmful effect on its members for several years. The travel agents added that some businesses have experienced an unexpectedly high decrease this year - up to 20%. Was it fanciful to suggest, we asked, that the tourist tax might be having an influence.
Rapping against Punta Ballena
There were more examples of tourist misbehaviour, one of which was the bizarre incident involving an American female tourist who shook a clerk at the Cathedral ticket office because the clerk couldn't speak proper English. The tourist was arrested. Meanwhile, there were other arrests, such as the Germans in Arenal who wrecked a hotel lift. Magalluf didn't escape, and the troubles there, especially along Punta Ballena, were highlighted in a video released by a Calvia rap group, Tabú.
The group, who are planning other protest songs, recently won first prize in the Musicalvia contest, with which Calvia town hall is involved. This didn't stop Tabú from criticising the permissiveness of local authorities, of which Calvia is obviously one.
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You also have to appreciate that big shows like Son Amar and Pirates, which are good, are also extremely expensive for a family of 4's budget: one evening out can set you back €250-€350. On top of all the other costs it becomes difficult. Well organised and affordable trips and activities for families are few and far between.
My guess is that the "ALL INCLUSIVE " package deals, already include Hire Cars etc., Will very soon include Tours,Night Clubs etc.Commission going to the operators of all the attractions in Mallorca. So, Tourists will have paid for everything in Mallorca, within their All Inclusive package cost.
Drop in Tourist taking excursions? Take a look at whats on offer and the prices...most of the excursions are to the Pirate Show (4 or more options) Trips on boats for drinking, Waterparks, Aquariums, theatre shows, and the cost of tickets, , perhaps a revamp of excursions on offer might make people have a day out. I have done some private trips offering insights to Majorca's secrets and hidden gems, brilliant days out. Now all inclusive holidays are the fashion people don't want to leave their Hotels, many not having a fortune to pay out on trips.. What happened to the fun days out??? mock bull fights, BBQs cooking your own food? Come up with some new trips at prices people can afford and you may draw the crowds back.