A survey of opinion on different topics reveals that 50% of the Balearic public supports the prohibition of apartment holiday rentals, though 46% don't actually know the content of the legislation that has brought this about (37% are against this ban). The prohibition is temporary in that there is a moratorium on licences until zoning decisions are finalised, though these decisions appear unlikely to favour apartments in the main coastal tourism areas.
The survey by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies finds that there is 55% support for limiting vehicle access to certain parts of the islands. Fifty-two per cent are in favour of access to natural beaches being limited. During the summer there were restrictions on vehicles going to coves in Santanyi, and next year there will be further restrictions, such as to Formentor.
The regional government will doubtless take some reassurance from these findings, though the support is far from overwhelming. A further government measure, the establishment of the medical faculty at the University of the Balearic Islands, also received backing - 57% in favour. But if the government is taking any note, it will find greater lack of support for the demand that Catalan is a requirement for work in the public health service: 63% of opinion is against this.
Meanwhile, two issues specific to Palma also get the thumbs-down. Fifty per cent of the public is against the demolition of the Feixina monument; there is 19% support. And on the changing of the name of Palma from Palma de Mallorca to simply Palma, 53% would prefer it to remain Palma de Mallorca.
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I have been visiting majorca for 47 years. This last 13 years twice a year. On my September visit I called into a bar in Sa Coma where I know the owner from previous visits. I remarked how quiet it was. Yes he said this year has been poor and his takings down 250Euro a day and he has had to lay off 4 staff. Why I asked. Two all inclusive hotels up the road have resulted in no passing trade now. They hold over 3,000 people. They dont leave the hotel. His only business now is from rentals in the area. The bar next door has already closed due to lack of customers . How are these new requirements going to help him? Cannot get my head around what is happening at all.
All businesses outside of the hotels, and in the established tourist areas want the law revoked of course, why would they vote to have less customers. It's a ni-brainer, and merely a trumped up limited, or fixed survey, to attempt to justify the ridiculous new law, and give false credibility to the local government. Ignore it.
I’d say calling someone a ‘tourist’ in that manner comes across very arrogant! I bet that’s a lot of money Frank H has contributed to the Balearic economy in those 20 years.
Palmadave. Arrogant - not really, just passing on a real conversation. Tourist - yes, but probably ex tourist to Majorca after more than 20 years of visits. It was an eye opener to hear a business owner saying what he did so if thats arrogant then I change change my plea to guilty.
Frank H. Rather arrogant comments from a Tourist!
On a resent visit I spoke to a cafe owner who agrees with the appt licensing rules being enforced. His reason was that this season ( his second ) he could not find staff as there was noware for them to live locally, his buisiness is just outside Santa ponsa. I asked who his customers would be if lots of appt rentals to tourists stopped, He shrugged his shoulders and said he gets customers from hotels. That may be the case but hotels are full in the main season and some people don't want to stay in hotels, the total amount of cash spent must go down. We had a quick survey of the few customers he had and not one was staying in a hotel !!!! Let's see if he makes it through his 3rd season. I don't know if the Majorcan press are putting a different spin on the issue but I could not believe What I was hearing.