Gazzie1A number of others have been hoping for that too. But unfortunately, there's two fundamental problems with that wishful thinking. The first problem is that Brits only account for about 20% of tourism in Spain (a little less in the balearics). And primarily limited to British resorts like Benidorm, Magaluf etc. So even if all Brits suddenly disappeared, the impact would be large in Benidorm and Magaluf and a handful of other English enclaves, but relatively insignificant in the rest of Spain. The second problem is that no degree of tabloid sensationalism or wishful thinking will cause British tourism to vanish from Spain - more like 1-5% in the worst case, so the actual impact would likely be much smaller and barely noticeable. And all stats seem to indicate that Spain (and particularly Mallorca) is becoming increasingly popular amongst the other 80% of tourism, so there's plenty more to make up for any minor loss of British tourism. But ok, you're fully entitled to storm off to Egypt or Turkey in self-imposed indignance. Just be aware that nobody's likely to notice, and that could seem even more insulting.
Don't worry everyone. Ancient Morgan Williams bought lots of houses cheaply years ago inland denying the locals the chance to buy and does very well renting them out to Swedish hippys. So he will be ok when Brits leave and Mallorcans lose their jobs. He doesn't care. The main thing though is theat he is alright jack!
Gazzie1Like a lot of tourists it seems you have very little knowledge of Spain. Tourism only accounts for around 13% of Spain's GDP, so I don't think a few thousand Brits going to Turkey or Egypt or wherever, is going to make much difference. In fact the reduction of tourist numbers will be welcomed by most
I look forward to the day the Spanish people who criticises the holiday makers cry in their soup for us to return. Not only have you got a Government that is too busy introducing non citizens sensitive information... you got short sighted locals who would gave to leave their Islands or Country to find meaningful employment. Spain just haven't got the infrastructure or businesses to go it alone . I suppose the hand outs they get from the EU wouldn't be enough neither. We did book a family holiday to a waterpark hotel for next year in Magaluf....but we have now changed it to Egypt where we will be warmly welcomed no doubt!!!! . We are not looking to return to any part of Spain in the future as we want to be aggressively part in seeing your Socialist Government and short sighted nationals see if they survive and thrive without holiday makers????.
It's unfortunate that English tabloids have scared off some of the British visitors to Calvia, but it doesn't seem to have affected the other 3600 sq. Km where the other 80% of tourism frequents.
Ulla JacksonI do. Because the island was a haven for off beat good eating houses, good food at a very reasonable prices. Felanitx, Porto Colom, Cala Serena, Porto Petro, Alquiera Blanca and Llombards did have wonderful places to eat, good food reasonable price, sadly lack of custom has caused closure. Not chips with everything and burgers. For one, it is still just cheaper to eat out every day if you know the area, good wholesome Mediterranean diet washed down with a glass or two of medium priced wine. Prices in supermarkets or local markets are becoming no longer "reasonable", they sell quantity not necessarily quality which leads to waste.
NilocMorgan seems to live in a particularly over touristy area of the island. Regrettably, I feel he should travel more and sample the lesser touristic spots. Seems all markets and restaurant owners should move there, wherever this bubble is. My view of the current situation is when you price yourself out of the market, it is the lower end of the pay scales that suffer, and there are only a handful of rich philanderers who dine out in exquisitely expensive restaurants. In the south east, locals not tourists used to swarm into the restaurants for their Sunday paella, not any more, is this a sign of the times? I first came to the island when a bottle of beer was 20 pesetas, a lot has changed in chasing the golden goose.
Who cares?
Morgan WilliamsThe smaller local markets of Son Ferrer and Andraxt are a shadow of their former selves as traders are staying away due to a lack of business. Slowly slowly you can see the impact that the negative stories in the press, including this paper, are having on the economy coupled with the 3 month in 3 month out rule for home owners.
There is no ANY impact ,because there is a growth in the visitors, but not in the money income due to the economic crisis in Europe...So , the brits can stay ofended ,but the protests are against the goverment and NOT against the tourists ! You can stop manipulate with that !