While the Forum for Civil Society comprises well-known critics of the tourism model in the Balearics, e.g. environmentalists GOB and the Palma XXI association, it can also count on business - the Pimem federation for small and medium-sized businesses. The congress wasn't confined to representatives of the Forum. President Marga Prohens spoke, so did Rosario Sánchez, the Mallorcan who is Spain's secretary-of-state for tourism, and Maria Frontera, president of the Mallorca Hoteliers Federation.
From different political, social and economic perspectives, those attending were in agreement on one thing - the Balearics have exceeded the limits of tourism growth in terms of volume. Differences concerned the scale and causes of overtourism and possible solutions.
Over the past few weeks, there has unquestionably been a shift in the tone of the debate where the islands' right wing is concerned. President Prohens is reaching out to the Forum's critics in a way that might have previously seemed inconceivable. She said that the islands have "lost the social profitability of tourism". "We can no longer grow in volume. It is essential to listen to the citizens." She promised to integrate the conclusions from the congress into the sustainability pact.
Margalida Ramis, spokesperson for GOB, observed that "one of the most reliable indicators of saturation on the islands is the discomfort on the streets". She argued that tourism hasn't been poorly managed, as it has in fact been managed with a very clear intention to make the Balearics a laboratory for tourist experiences. "When the sun and the beach have run out, we have invented gastronomic tourism or spiritual tourism in Lluc - tourist diversification strategies."
Pedro Mas Bergas, the Council of Mallorca's director for tourism governance and sustainability, acknowledged that "right now we no longer feel visited, but invaded". He pointed out that a contributory factor to saturation comes from friends and family who are invited by residents. (This is something that tends to otherwise be overlooked.)
One of the most forceful presentations was that of Fernando Valladares, a professor at Spain's National Research Council. He was of the view that "there is much to be gained from degrowth and two things are clear: that this is inevitable and that it brings prosperity". He insisted that "genuine prosperity is only possible through degrowth". "A society that is exasperated or grumbling will do us no good." He casted doubt on whether the wealth generated by tourism has a proportional impact on its citizens. "That wealth flows downwards is an urban myth. It is false wealth because investors are very delocalised."
Valladares advocated planning for degrowth instead of waiting for it to happen suddenly, as with recessions. "It is possible to prepare compensation measures, but this would need a change to constitutions, which put economic growth before the health of the citizen."
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The Spanish tax regime is mindlessly complicated, burdensome and punitive. It stifles entrepreneurialism and inhibits investment. There is an urgent need to completely overhaul this system and ensure a realignment of its structure to support new initiatives in tech, marine conservation, renewable energy, etc. As well as making it far simpler and transparent for regular tax payers. European handouts (which Spain greatly benefits from) should have some such conditions attached. Dream on.
Obviously, to grow non-tourism "prosperity", there will be some big challenges. One of course is attracting industries (such as high tech) that can pay salaries consistent with the cost of living. The second challenge is the labour pool. If the local population's skillset isn't suitable for the industries you're trying to attract, then the labour pool will need to be imported. And that will require housing. And we all know that the demand for housing is already high. It's not going to get less expensive. It's a complex problem with a murky relief. Simple solutions are easy to conceive, but anyone who believes that a shift to an alternative GDP will be easy or suddenly increase "prosperity" really needs to think though it a bit more. There's no simple solution. Having said that, I've always believed that if the government had the will, they'd give massive tax breaks to high tech industries who establish major R&D centers here. The climate and lifestyle would be very attractive to would-be innovators (something like what attracts them to Silicon Valley) It could be IT, Medicine, Aeronautics, clean energy... many more... But it's a difficult sell to those wishing to remain in the past. And it's loaded with complications. So, this won't be solved anytime soon.
Tourism is a balance and the Mallorcan’s are wise to recognise this, before it gets out of hand. Traveling to Cyprus a few years ago, I had honestly never seen such saturated beaches. You couldn’t put a lolly between sun beds. It was hideous. Currently, there isn’t a feeling of tourist hatred here. That’s been whipped up by the British press. Yep, you’re going to get the odd grumpy waiter … but that’s life isn’t it. This protest is more about getting the apathetic government to introduce sensible restrictions, to protect the island. Yep, put those cruise ships restrictions back on (no one gains from thousands of all inclusive tourists packing the streets, then disappearing), control the unchecked growth of giant hotels, limit the exponential growth of rental cars and take action on illegal holiday lets. Life will be better for locals and tourists alike. It’s a balance and yes, that is worth protecting.
Careful what you wish for Mallorca. Brits are the mainstay of Spanish tourism and the Mallorquin economy is reliant on Brit and German tourism. We have been your most loyal customers for time immemorial. Some Mallorquins have always made tourists unwelcome and its now becoming offensive on another level. The days of Spain being a bargain in areas like Mallorca are also over and there are plenty of upcoming resorts that are baying for our custom. When you know the island you realise there are welcoming Mallorquins but it does feel like they are in the monority however I wonder if this is just another example of the minority making the most noise and the sensible majority suffering as a result.