Along with the transfer of responsibilities will come ten employees at the Balearic Tourism Agency (ATB). For what remains of the current administration (until spring next year), the focus - said Cosme Bonet, the councillor for economic affairs - will be on products for tackling seasonality and on seeking out new tourism markets.
Ensenyat observed that the transfer will strengthen areas of tourism management at the Council and will bring tourism policies closer to the "realities" of the islands (Minorca and Formentera are also gaining responsibilities; Ibiza already has them).
Busquets said that the transfer of promotion and staff demonstrates the value that the government places on the "sovereignty" of each island. She added that the ministry will continue discussions with the Council in respect of the transfer of tourism planning, which may not occur for another year yet.
Bonet explained that although the Council will take charge of some specific promotional areas, it will continue to coordinate overseas promotion with the government in order to display an institutional image. What this means is that at the major travel fairs, for instance, the Council (and therefore Majorca) will form part of the overall Balearic representation.
The ATB is to be renamed the Balearic Strategic Agency for Tourism (AETIB) and it will focus its activities on strategies for promoting tourism sustainability. It will, for example, be in charge of managing projects funded by tourist tax revenue.
7 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Now they want tourism ...very confusing policies !
I hope all the hotels will be open all year round. Did the government not take into account they close for several months over the winter. Can't wait to see the big one in Deia open in November or February! Winter deals €79!! Was €1000 per night!! Don't think so.
I note that GOB are delivering another nail in the Tourism coffin by organising a demo against the latest mega cruise ship withe he charming slogan"tourists go home" All faithfully reported in the British press. These cruise ships are in Palma for ONE day( sadly mainly the same day) and things can get a bit crowded and fraught in Palma. The rest of this lovely island is largely unaffected and would welcome more visitors and business with open arms. Shut your gob!
Its all and good to extend the season to 8 months, I wonder if photographs of dirty smelly easter weekend beaches attract tourists? Sounds like all talk and no actions.
S: no, it’s more jobs for those who speak and write Catalan ( essential when dealing with foreign tour operators ) and for those who are unemployed but have family members in high places who belong to the same political party.
Best of luck with that because you will need it.
" may not occur for another year yet. " . Oh well , Mallorca has relied heavily on THE SUN being the main attraction during the Summer Season. For some 30 years that I have witnessed, there are NO ATTRACTIONS IN WINTER. Now, the promotion of Tourism is to be delayed for another year !. Or, will it be for another 30 Years !.That does not impress anyone, perhaps its more jobs for those in the know ?.