Maroto accepted that one of these measures hasn't had the desired effect. This was a broadening of the social security discount for employees with "fijo discontinuo" contracts in the Balearics. The hope was that hotels would stay open, but in fact some decided to close earlier than usual in October.
She noted that unemployment in the Balearics went up over 10,000 in October, adding that the government's aim was that the Balearics should start the next season in February with the same number of people signed on for work as February this year.
The minister stated that Thomas Cook had served to confirm the need to modernise the model of tourism and to further emphasise "tourism of quality". In this regard, she pointed to an increase in tourist spending and to the creation of employment of greater quality.
Regarding Brexit, she said that although there is uncertainty, "the concern has lessened". The Spanish government is "calmer" than it had been about UK government strategy, while the British tourism market "is stabilising" and at the same time spending more. Maroto stressed that it is essential that Spain attracts "a quality British tourist".
Speaking about the Spanish economy, the minister said that "no one" sees there being a crisis in the short term. Although there has been a slowdown, the government as well as analysts believe that the economy will continue to grow and to do so at a higher rate than other European countries.
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A quality tourist expects to use their Credit Cards everywhere. For the standard bread and butter tourist, this Island is full of disgusting litter, a poor TiB Bus service. Rip Off prices , which increase every January etc. Bus Drivers who do not stop for aTourist. Very poor Hotels with grossly inflated STAR RATINGS. An Island that is so saturated with cars, there are not enough roads to carry them. If prices , taxation, Airport Chaos, strikes etc. Is gradually driving tourists elsewhere.
Ladies and Gentlemen. There is an election this coming Sunday. These are only sound bites to impress the undecided voters, not British tourists. Don’t forget she also has trade and industry to worry about as well. Anyway, next week she may be put in charge of agriculture or education or what have you.
Of course the tourist is spending more, prices are always rising. How can you have tourism of quality(whatever that means) when the island has very little of quality to recommend it . Plus if the minister thinks that the Spanish economy is stable then her knowledge is significantly lacking. This is just more verbose garbage.
Can someone please explain what a quality tourist is, could it be someone with a high income or perhaps people with high academic achievements. Looking at most of the accommodation on offer I would think that should they achieve this aim there will be lots of empty beds next season. It’s not too long ago that there was a drive to reduce the number of tourists, having had a taste of this there seems to be a massive drive to entice the tourists back. Be careful what you wish for comes to mind. Articles like this certainly do little to encourage tourism when reported in the British press.
Who does she think she is QUALITY BRITISH TOURIST it’s quantity you need try giving QUALITY HOLIDAYS AND NOT RIPPING PEOPLE OFF when they visit your overpriced dirty hotels that still have 1970 decor and service the majority of the island is filthy clean up your act and you may get somewhere
Thought it was only the UK had “politicians “coming out with phrases designed to confuse. Will she explain please,”modernise the model of tourism” and “tourism of quality “and finally “a quality British tourist”