The situation is being approached, Armengol explained, with the assistance of experts. There are to be specific working parties which will study various possibilities for the "de-confinement" of the Balearics. In this regard, the government will be assessing whether air and sea traffic should be resumed straightaway or if it will be preferable to initially pursue progressive internal de-confinement.
It was, she added, too soon to make decisions on all this, but the regional government has already started to indicate to Madrid what it believes will be the most beneficial solution for the region. In this respect, she noted that the transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, had been "very sensitive" to the request to close ports and airports in the Balearics.
Measures for social protection, e.g. financial aid for individuals and businesses, will have to last in the Balearics beyond the period of the state of alarm, the president insisted. This is a region which is more linked to the tourism sector than any other. "In the Balearics we can't press a button so that industry starts up immediately." The economic situation in the Balearics "will be much more complicated than in other regions" because of the dependence on tourism.
6 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Hey Bert, although what you say has probably good ground (and was funny!), but I was more referring to the thousands and thousands (mostly spanish) that work in the supply, mechanical/technical and services areas of yachting. I am in the services chain and all the companies I use for maintenance and services are spanish with 90% spanish workers. This is a huge industry on Mallorca.
Mark, the short answer is NO. They couldn’t care less about the welfare of foreigners, especially those to live and work on “luxurious” super yachts. If, on the other hand, you arrived in a rubber dinghy, the sky would be the limit.
Spain (and Mallorca) must learn to be more creative and governments have to encourage people not to choose job in ajuntamento or as a waiter as the first priority. Mallorca could be leading in solar panels Industry, electrical cars, desalting water, vegan products or whatever.....
Whilst 'rebooting', the government would be well advised to consider what improvements can be made to address the outstanding economic and sustainability issues, particularly in tourism, and make Mallorca more competitive in the years ahead...but are they likely to do this?...probably not if they are taking the advice of some of their very general 'economists' (as published a couple of days ago) and not taking expert advice from people specialised in the various economic sectors!!..sad not to take the opportunity of making a beautiful island even more beautiful and therefore more attractive to discerning tourists, and ultimately more sustainable.
Mallorca is not all about tourism. Don not forget and under-estimate the yachting industry on the island: it is HUGE, both in employment and money generation. Mallorca is the yachting hub of the Med and yachting companies have been hit as much as any business in the tourism industry. Wonder if they will also be included in the "rescue plan" and financial aid schemes.
What’s the difference between “a state of alarm” and a pandemic Perhaps the President could explain. Also looking at different scenarios from a scientific view. Is that political speak for let’s got boarders open ASAP,,get “deconfinnent”ASAP let’s get tourists back ,find a way to put a safe spin n it. Totally unbelievable,protect your people ,yes you are in a very difficult position with the reliability on tourism but this pandemic is going to last for a very long time,start making proper plans for your economy and people ,it will not come from tourism this year.