The opposition Partido Popular called today for the resignation of the Council of Mallorca´s tourism boss, Lucia Escribiano, after she was quoted as saying by The Sun newspaper that they were not interested in welcoming British holidaymakers to the island next summer. Similar stories were carried by other British newspapers.
Annie Lennox's Mallorca Photo album
British super-star, Annie Lennox, is a major fan of the island and has owned a house here for many years. She has taken to her instagram site and has published a whole series of photographs on Mallorca this summer, some of which we reproduce here. All photographs: Instagram.
"Overcrowded Mallorca" in photos
There has been much talk this summer about overcrowding on the island and too many tourists. The government is under pressure to curb the number of holidaymakers in peak season. In this selection of photos it appears that those calling for fewer tourists are in the right although many would disagree.
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Lisa JuliaOk, so from what I can glean from this rather misrepresented article is that the Sun misquoted her (which isn't unusual for that publication), and now you and a few others want her head for that? And as you seem to suggest is indicative of the stupidity of Mallorquins in general. I've heard that the sun, mail, and express constitute the most consumed media in England, but defending that kind of misinformation like this explains much about how the UK ended up where it has.
Morgan WilliamsI think you’re absolutely right to fact check these outlets. Particularly the editorials. I was just pointing out that this was an event, a press conference. The quotes were carried across the press - in all likelihood syndicated by PA. She traveled to the UK for the tourism/press event in her capacity as minister of tourism. The fact that she was so unprepared for a simple press Q & A is brutal. One of her key roles is messaging. And as I’ve said before the mallorcan messaging is out to lunch …
Lisa JuliaIn other words turn on brain before engaging mouth. But people say what they think or think they want. But this statement was made by someone who considers hers self a socialist. “maybe look it up” That aside , Equally so words and language are important. I concur with Majorca’s desire to make the same or more money with fewer tourist heads. But what is the mechanism for this upmarket plan other than closing a few older hostel type accommodation and limiting how many beers in all inclusives near hot spots. This statement by the minister is aimed at who , all Brits as reported, those who only use accommodation of cheaper properties, the zombie trade … who…do Majorca want The squillionaires who spend a lot / head but there ain’t many of them The mid market again limited in numbers, £400 Kempinski range but the bulk of Majorca’s accommodation certainly the resorts is no where near that standard. Or shall we call them existing punters that the island industries geared up for ..but fewer ..of them. It doesn’t take Einstein to calculate that Millions of punters spend more cumulatively and employ more of Majorca’s folks, than the squiillionaires and potential mid market combined by a huge margin. Fewer punters will mean less revenue to the island “fact this unwelcome British group are high in numbers and spend “. Some won’t like this statement but The Majorca offer in this sector is price fixed and sensitive , with numerous alternatives that would love that business. The wish desire for fewer more wealthy visitors may be a good one. But some times we get what we think we wish for and that came be disappointment when it arrives.
Apparently, it's blasphemous to fact-check or express any dissent of any nonsense the Sun publishes. Or the daily Mail/Express... which explains a lot about how the UK ended up where it is.
Didn’t anyone tell the Minister for Tourism that if you attend a press briefing in the UK on tourism, your comments are likely to be carried in the press? Since several outlets published her quotes it’s pretty much certain, that’s what she said. It’s not just poorly judged, it’s insulting to both the UK and Mallorca. There is no justification for her lack of understanding- this is her job. But maybe not for long??
Clearly all the Mallorcan/Balearic ministers have had NO media training on what to say and what not to say at these events. There appears to be no plan or consistent messaging, just these thoughtless off the cuff remarks, which any journo would eagerly jump on. Unprofessional, unprepared and utterly useless.
Shaun1Somehow, I'm reaching to find any connection between high Ryanair flight prices and the balearic government's imaginary desire to block Brits. It's Brits who spew their vitriol on prices and a plethora of other post-Brexit inconveniences Imaginarily imposed on them by the jealous, petulant EU as a "punishment". Yeah, better sort all that or else we're leaving this dump. Right then. See you next year 🙂
Morgan WilliamsI don’t think the Brits want the red carpet treatment, saying that looking at the price of Ryanair flights for 2023 they may expect a red carpet. Fights for 11th May until 22nd of May are £720 each, so a family of 4 paying close to 3k just for flights! Maybe not
Shaun1Could be. But nobody has ever said they don't want Brits. They just aren't inclined to roll out a red carpet and give them special treatment that others aren't entitled to. There's plenty of other tourists that don't require that. And so far, it hasn't stopped Brits from coming anyway.
Morgan WilliamsI think the government will get its wish that brits aren’t welcome. The uk are going into a long deep recession, and holidays are the first thing people will knock on the head.