The two major British tour operators, TUI and Thomas Cook, have announced a reduction in air passenger capacity of 8% to the Balearics and to Spain this summer. This is mainly in response to the increase in airport taxes to come into effect in July, an increase that has, according to ABTA, comes as a genuine shock.
See more: Ultima Hora
Saturday, April 14, 2012
MALLORCA TODAY - More participants at Alcúdia's boat show
The boat show in Puerto Alcúdia over the weekend of 21-22 April will have a greater number of businesses from the nautical sector participating this year. There will also be 23 local restaurants present in the sepia (cuttlefish) gastronomy tent.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Hotel Formentor redevelopment given the go-ahead
The Council of Mallorca has finally and definitively approved the redevelopment of the Hotel Formentor near Puerto Pollensa. The approval has required the redefinition of plans for urbanisation and tourism offer in Pollensa. These will result in the town hall taking on the supply of services to three urbanisations in the town, that by the hotel and also in El Vilar and La Font. The town hall will also take on the parking near to the hotel's beach, which should bring in a not insignificant amount of cash to the town hall.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Weather Alcúdia and Pollensa 14 April 2012
All change this morning. The sun's out, a breeze is up but there is little cloud. A local best of 14.8 C at 08:30. Mainly sunny through the day, but rain likely to return in the evening, and tomorrow and Monday are forecast as wet.
Afternoon update: It has been a reasonable day, cloud coming in but remaining dry and largely sunny. A high of 18.2 C.
Afternoon update: It has been a reasonable day, cloud coming in but remaining dry and largely sunny. A high of 18.2 C.
Vidimus Killed The Wannabe Radio Star
In my university days I had some small experience of radio. It consisted of twice being interviewed, once of being a presenter as part of a pills-assisted "all-nighter" special and once of impersonating a leading student far-left politico and making out that I had renounced Trotsky and had seen the light of capitalism. The last of these experiences made me realise that some people did actually listen to the university radio; an announcement had to subsequently be made that it was a hoax.
Local radio is for local communities. In theory it is a good idea. The problem with it is that it isn't national radio and suffers by comparison in terms of resources and of slickness and professionalism. Much of it tends to also be derivative. Back in university days, the DJs all sounded like John Peel as he used to sound when he was still under the influence of the Pink Floyd. Nowadays they are more likely to be of the wacky variety, the Chris Moyles impersonator-style, the Westwood or Tong or, for the mature audience, the whispering Bob Harris.
The greatest problem, however, lies with providing a compelling reason for people to listen. It isn't sufficient to believe that merely being of a community constitutes a reason to listen. It doesn't, because there are so many alternatives. These alternatives may not deal with local issues, but unless these local issues are presented in a way that makes for required listening, the local station is unlikely to have much impact and much by way of listenership.
The British community in Mallorca now has not one but two radio stations, both having started virtually simultaneously. The history of English-speaking radio on the island is long, as Riki Lash, who was one of its mainstays, continues to tell those who can penetrate and understand his unique Lashlish in the "Bulletin". It has also been a faltering history. But now, despite all the competition from other radio stations, easily accessible through different means, and from other media, two have emerged - Spectrum and Radio One Mallorca.
The latter is a product of Globo Balear, the entertainment concern responsible for Pirates. As a channel for promoting its shows, the station probably makes some sense, but it, as with Spectrum, faces the same challenge. Why would anyone listen?
I confess to having listened very little. What would make me abandon the BBC or a superior Spanish station such as RTE3 for some wannabe DJ on local English radio? Very little. Radio One Mallorca does, from the brief bit I have listened into, have a degree of oomph, if only from the music. If it's aiming for the youthful Mallorca-based market, then it may well be pitching things correctly. But it still needs to give a reason why it and not the real Radio One. Spectrum sounded as though the presenter was in his bathroom, and quite frankly if I'm expected to find Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse a compelling reason to tune in, then I'll select Radio 2.
Music is, or should be, only a part of it. Indeed, it should be less of it rather than more. It won't be, because music is easy. But to provide a compelling reason to listen, there has to be far more, be it, for example, a uniqueness in presentational style or in content. Or shows that might really mean something and grab the attention. One fears that none of this will happen.
What would really make a reason to listen is for something hard-hitting. But unfortunately, Mallorca doesn't do hard-hitting. Not among the expats it doesn't. Like the "Bulletin", radio would only ever be sanitised, self-censoring, and timid in making a statement; an enervating vidimus of avoidance and of the consequent dominance of the superficial. This is how media in Mallorca has to be for the Brits. Yet the scope for piss-taking, satire, investigation or even controversy is great. It's a shame it won't happen.
At university the best show was one that a friend of mine did. It entailed him always having had a drink or several prior to going on air. He would then proceed to be generally offensive, and his finest moment was when he urinated into a milk bottle that was placed next to the mike. People listened, and not just his mates. The reason why was because you never knew what would happen. Would English-speaking radio on Mallorca ever offer such offensiveness or unpredictability? Possibly it might, but whether anyone would be listening would be another matter.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Local radio is for local communities. In theory it is a good idea. The problem with it is that it isn't national radio and suffers by comparison in terms of resources and of slickness and professionalism. Much of it tends to also be derivative. Back in university days, the DJs all sounded like John Peel as he used to sound when he was still under the influence of the Pink Floyd. Nowadays they are more likely to be of the wacky variety, the Chris Moyles impersonator-style, the Westwood or Tong or, for the mature audience, the whispering Bob Harris.
The greatest problem, however, lies with providing a compelling reason for people to listen. It isn't sufficient to believe that merely being of a community constitutes a reason to listen. It doesn't, because there are so many alternatives. These alternatives may not deal with local issues, but unless these local issues are presented in a way that makes for required listening, the local station is unlikely to have much impact and much by way of listenership.
The British community in Mallorca now has not one but two radio stations, both having started virtually simultaneously. The history of English-speaking radio on the island is long, as Riki Lash, who was one of its mainstays, continues to tell those who can penetrate and understand his unique Lashlish in the "Bulletin". It has also been a faltering history. But now, despite all the competition from other radio stations, easily accessible through different means, and from other media, two have emerged - Spectrum and Radio One Mallorca.
The latter is a product of Globo Balear, the entertainment concern responsible for Pirates. As a channel for promoting its shows, the station probably makes some sense, but it, as with Spectrum, faces the same challenge. Why would anyone listen?
I confess to having listened very little. What would make me abandon the BBC or a superior Spanish station such as RTE3 for some wannabe DJ on local English radio? Very little. Radio One Mallorca does, from the brief bit I have listened into, have a degree of oomph, if only from the music. If it's aiming for the youthful Mallorca-based market, then it may well be pitching things correctly. But it still needs to give a reason why it and not the real Radio One. Spectrum sounded as though the presenter was in his bathroom, and quite frankly if I'm expected to find Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse a compelling reason to tune in, then I'll select Radio 2.
Music is, or should be, only a part of it. Indeed, it should be less of it rather than more. It won't be, because music is easy. But to provide a compelling reason to listen, there has to be far more, be it, for example, a uniqueness in presentational style or in content. Or shows that might really mean something and grab the attention. One fears that none of this will happen.
What would really make a reason to listen is for something hard-hitting. But unfortunately, Mallorca doesn't do hard-hitting. Not among the expats it doesn't. Like the "Bulletin", radio would only ever be sanitised, self-censoring, and timid in making a statement; an enervating vidimus of avoidance and of the consequent dominance of the superficial. This is how media in Mallorca has to be for the Brits. Yet the scope for piss-taking, satire, investigation or even controversy is great. It's a shame it won't happen.
At university the best show was one that a friend of mine did. It entailed him always having had a drink or several prior to going on air. He would then proceed to be generally offensive, and his finest moment was when he urinated into a milk bottle that was placed next to the mike. People listened, and not just his mates. The reason why was because you never knew what would happen. Would English-speaking radio on Mallorca ever offer such offensiveness or unpredictability? Possibly it might, but whether anyone would be listening would be another matter.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Friday, April 13, 2012
MALLORCA TODAY - Unions demand 3% higher wages from hotels and restaurants
The negotiations between unions and businesses that are threatening to cause disruption to the tourism season if they don't go the way the unions want them are still dragging on, the unions making it clear that they expect a 3% wage rise from hoteliers and the restaurant sector as well as a reduction in the working week to 35 hours.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Can Picafort bike lane eliminated
Santa Margalida town hall has initiated work to eliminate the cycle lane along the promenade in Can Picafort. The town hall has insisted that the lane creates the potential for accidents and is dangerous for people leaving the beach, three more access points to the beach having now also been created.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Sa Pobla potatoes cannot meet demand
The cold weather in February which caused a loss of the new potato crop has also meant that Sa Pobla's producers are unable to meet export demand. The producers are getting assistance from the regional government in pressing claims for compensation from their insurers.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Racing Santander 0 : 3 Real Mallorca
A 3-0 win away at Santander for Mallorca that puts them on 40 points in 12th position in La Liga, twelve clear of Zaragoza in 18th. With six more rounds of matches to go, Mallorca are still theoretically not clear of a chance of relegation but in practice must be. Goals at the start of both periods were evidence of Mallorca's superiority, Nsue netting with less than a minute gone and Castro adding a second a minute after the break. Santander had gone close with a shot against the post from Stuani, but Mallorca went on to add a third, and game over.
Racing:
Sotres; Arana, Bernardo, Torrejón, Osmar (Munitis 54), Christian; Gullón (Colsa 46); Rivero, Bedia (Babacar 65), Luque; Stuani
Yellows: Osmar, Luque, Gullón
Mallorca:
Aouate; Cendrós, Ramis, Nunes (Crespi 63), Cáceres; Tissone (Tejera 67), Pina (Bigas 74); Nsue, Alfaro, Castro; Victor
Yellow: Castro
Goals: Nsue (1), Castro (46), Alfaro (53)
Racing:
Sotres; Arana, Bernardo, Torrejón, Osmar (Munitis 54), Christian; Gullón (Colsa 46); Rivero, Bedia (Babacar 65), Luque; Stuani
Yellows: Osmar, Luque, Gullón
Mallorca:
Aouate; Cendrós, Ramis, Nunes (Crespi 63), Cáceres; Tissone (Tejera 67), Pina (Bigas 74); Nsue, Alfaro, Castro; Victor
Yellow: Castro
Goals: Nsue (1), Castro (46), Alfaro (53)
MALLORCA TODAY - Weather Alcúdia and Pollensa 13 April 2012
Raining all night and raining still and continuing to rain through some of the day. Quite breezy and a top of just under 13 C at 07:45, struggling to the mid-teens later maybe. Still not looking that good for the weekend, though brighter than today.
Afternoon update: Things got better, the sun coming out in the afternoon but temperatures no great shakes, a high of only 15.5 C.
Afternoon update: Things got better, the sun coming out in the afternoon but temperatures no great shakes, a high of only 15.5 C.
Coasting Along To A New Coasts Law
You may have noticed that coasts and beaches have been washing over the news a fair bit recently. The Balearics tourism ministry, totally broke, is unable to send its little boats out to clean up the seas immediately next to the shores, while at the same time it has been putting the final touches to its new law, an aspect of which is likely to be greater exploitation - by the private sector - of Mallorca's beaches.
Amidst this news, one body has been conspicuous by its silence: the Costas Authority. This arm of national government, and specifically of the environment ministry, pretty much has the final say on anything that moves or doesn't move either on or off shores. But, as an example, it has seemingly been stunned into silence by suggestions such as that which will see hotels developing business on beaches.
Why the silence? Good question. The answer, or an answer, may have something to do with the fact that the Coasts Law is up for some reform, and it could be some pretty serious reform. The working of government and of government departments doesn't normally get put on hold while legislative reform makes its slow and tortuous progress through parliament (and most legislative reform in Spain does make slow and tortuous progress). But where the Costas is concerned, anything other than its usual bureaucratic procedures, i.e. its zealous searching for some pronouncement on coastal demarcation, appears to have been stilled by the anticipation of reform.
The national environment ministry has signalled its intention to introduce a new Coasts Law, but it hasn't signalled what this might entail. Environmental groups, though, sense a relaxation of rules governing the coasts and are getting their retaliation in early; there is no need for a new law, or so they say.
It doesn't really do to speculate, but this hasn't stopped the likes of GOB, the Great (environmental) Observers of the Balearics, which isn't of course what GOB stands for but could do, worrying that a law change will bring about economic development of the coasts and beaches, which is a pretty obvious conclusion, given that this is about to happen in the Balearics even without a change to the law.
Much though I have been critical of the Costas, largely because its actions at times seem arbitrary or even callous (as with the threatened demolition of the cottages of Ses Casetes des Capellans in Playa de Muro) as well as extreme, e.g. through the interpretation of land that has been influenced by the sea (which is most land in coastal areas, if you want to be strictly accurate), a strong governmental body with strong laws overseeing the coasts is now needed more than ever.
The threats to beaches and coastal areas are well-known. The overdevelopment of Mallorca's coastline has been referred to by many organisations, and not just environmental watchdogs such as Greenpeace. Coastal erosion is a fact, the environmental problems caused by shipping are a fact and climate change is also a fact (though some of course would choose to say otherwise). It is understandable that, at a time when the coasts are more vulnerable than ever, the pressure groups should be alarmed by possible relaxations. Indeed, it isn't just the environmental groups who should be alarmed; it is everyone.
Economics are, however, likely to dictate. As are politics. Plans such as those for hotels to stage beach parties, to create additional moorings or to exploit the beaches and coasts in other ways (all by the private sector, as with the redevelopment in Magalluf) take little or no account of what the Costas might have to say. But change the complexion of the Costas, change the law, and a different situation obtains. The national government, as with the regional government in the Balearics, knows it needs the private sector onside, and the private sector doesn't need the Costas getting in the way; now or later.
Changes to the law are one thing, but what of the Costas' role? Government could help everyone out by a demarcation of a type different to that which the Costas is involved, that of land: a demarcation of who does what. Why, for example, is the Balearics tourism ministry even involved with cleaning the immediate coast line? What's it got to do with them? It should be the Costas. Why do the Costas get involved with taxing frontline businesses when town halls are involved in the same process?
The government should proceed with caution and not play fast and loose with the coasts, but it should also tidy up responsibilities, as they, rather like what the tourism ministry is not able to clean up, are a mess.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Amidst this news, one body has been conspicuous by its silence: the Costas Authority. This arm of national government, and specifically of the environment ministry, pretty much has the final say on anything that moves or doesn't move either on or off shores. But, as an example, it has seemingly been stunned into silence by suggestions such as that which will see hotels developing business on beaches.
Why the silence? Good question. The answer, or an answer, may have something to do with the fact that the Coasts Law is up for some reform, and it could be some pretty serious reform. The working of government and of government departments doesn't normally get put on hold while legislative reform makes its slow and tortuous progress through parliament (and most legislative reform in Spain does make slow and tortuous progress). But where the Costas is concerned, anything other than its usual bureaucratic procedures, i.e. its zealous searching for some pronouncement on coastal demarcation, appears to have been stilled by the anticipation of reform.
The national environment ministry has signalled its intention to introduce a new Coasts Law, but it hasn't signalled what this might entail. Environmental groups, though, sense a relaxation of rules governing the coasts and are getting their retaliation in early; there is no need for a new law, or so they say.
It doesn't really do to speculate, but this hasn't stopped the likes of GOB, the Great (environmental) Observers of the Balearics, which isn't of course what GOB stands for but could do, worrying that a law change will bring about economic development of the coasts and beaches, which is a pretty obvious conclusion, given that this is about to happen in the Balearics even without a change to the law.
Much though I have been critical of the Costas, largely because its actions at times seem arbitrary or even callous (as with the threatened demolition of the cottages of Ses Casetes des Capellans in Playa de Muro) as well as extreme, e.g. through the interpretation of land that has been influenced by the sea (which is most land in coastal areas, if you want to be strictly accurate), a strong governmental body with strong laws overseeing the coasts is now needed more than ever.
The threats to beaches and coastal areas are well-known. The overdevelopment of Mallorca's coastline has been referred to by many organisations, and not just environmental watchdogs such as Greenpeace. Coastal erosion is a fact, the environmental problems caused by shipping are a fact and climate change is also a fact (though some of course would choose to say otherwise). It is understandable that, at a time when the coasts are more vulnerable than ever, the pressure groups should be alarmed by possible relaxations. Indeed, it isn't just the environmental groups who should be alarmed; it is everyone.
Economics are, however, likely to dictate. As are politics. Plans such as those for hotels to stage beach parties, to create additional moorings or to exploit the beaches and coasts in other ways (all by the private sector, as with the redevelopment in Magalluf) take little or no account of what the Costas might have to say. But change the complexion of the Costas, change the law, and a different situation obtains. The national government, as with the regional government in the Balearics, knows it needs the private sector onside, and the private sector doesn't need the Costas getting in the way; now or later.
Changes to the law are one thing, but what of the Costas' role? Government could help everyone out by a demarcation of a type different to that which the Costas is involved, that of land: a demarcation of who does what. Why, for example, is the Balearics tourism ministry even involved with cleaning the immediate coast line? What's it got to do with them? It should be the Costas. Why do the Costas get involved with taxing frontline businesses when town halls are involved in the same process?
The government should proceed with caution and not play fast and loose with the coasts, but it should also tidy up responsibilities, as they, rather like what the tourism ministry is not able to clean up, are a mess.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
MALLORCA TODAY - Vueling to introduce Palma-Moscow route
A direct air route between Palma and Moscow is to operate three times a week this summer. Vueling will provide the first direct air link with the Russian capital and will also offer a weekly service between Moscow and Ibiza.
See more: Hosteltur
See more: Hosteltur
MALLORCA TODAY - Cerdà denies UM website funding
One of the corruption investigations that has taken something of a back seat over the past months is that of the caso Voltor, which is looking into the affairs of agencies at the tourism ministry. The former mayor of Pollensa, Joan Cerdà, indicted in this case, declared in court in yesterday that he did back the diversion of funds from the Inestur agency for the purpose of paying for a new website for his party, the Unió Mallorquina.
See more: Ultima Hora
See more: Ultima Hora
MALLORCA TODAY - Santa Margalida demands inspection of Son Real
The mayor of Santa Margalida, Miguel Cifre, has demanded that the director of the Son Real finca, Jorge Campos, allows town hall's inspectors to examine alleged irregularities in respect of building on the finca. This follows a claim by Campos as to such irregularities having been committed but which were not made known to the town hall.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Tobacconist robbery in Sa Pobla
The Guardia Civil are hunting for two hooded men who stole money from a tobacconist in Sa Pobla on Tuesday evening, having threatened the shop owners with a knife.
See more: Ultima Hora
See more: Ultima Hora
MALLORCA TODAY - Weather Alcúdia and Pollensa 12 April 2012
A bright enough start, albeit that there is some cloud lurking around, threatening the forecast change to rain later in the day. 11.3 C the best at 08:15, rising towards 20. Tomorrow, says the met office, is likely to bring heavy showers, and there will be rain around through the weekend and into next week.
Afternoon update: The cloud has built up gradually, the temperatures have been falling from a high of 18.7 C and thunder is rolling around in the late afternoon. Might be rough tonight and tomorrow, a yellow advice now out for adverse conditions around the northern coast.
Afternoon update: The cloud has built up gradually, the temperatures have been falling from a high of 18.7 C and thunder is rolling around in the late afternoon. Might be rough tonight and tomorrow, a yellow advice now out for adverse conditions around the northern coast.
Welcome To The Hotel Mallorca
Two months ago I wrote a piece entitled "Burying The Hatchet". I concluded by suggesting that the hatchet could, despite having been buried, just as easily be dug up again. And so it has been.
In truth, the hatchet wasn't ever buried, not where Carlos Delgado was concerned at any rate. The peace that had broken out between hoteliers in the Balearics and the complementary offer was intended to demonstrate that these two warring factions could create a unified front in the tourism sector. Perhaps the complementary offer - the bars, restaurants, clubs and what have you - were hoping that by appearing to be on the same side as the all-dominating hotel sector, the real enemy where it was concerned, tourism minister Delgado, might look more favourably upon it.
The hatchet had been brandished because of that part of the new tourism law which plans to grant hotels the opportunity of providing secondary activities in their grounds. By secondary activities, one means pretty much anything that is currently offered outside these grounds, which would, and this has really caused the complementary offer to engage in its war dance, be open to the general public. The secondary activities are the domain of the complementary offer; the way things are going, or the way the new tourism bill is going, there won't be an offer that complements hotels for much longer.
While the complementary offer is putting its warpaint on in seeking to encircle the wagons of the tourism ministry, its hoped-for cavalry in the form of the hotel sector has clearly forgotten that it came to some sort of agreement with the bars and restaurants back in February. I didn't think this new-found friendship would last and nor indeed has it.
When it became clear that Sheriff Delgado was intent on crashing through the saloon doors of the nearest bar or restaurant and firing from both hips an inducement to the hotels of making available 30% of their areas to new activities designed to fill further the hotels' safes, it was an offer the hotels couldn't refuse. What were they supposed to do? Say thanks very much, but we would rather our friends from the complementary sector didn't have to concern themselves with such new competition? If the bars, restaurants and so on had believed this, then they had been labouring under a serious misapprehension that suddenly the hotels were being co-operative and altruistic. These are, after all, the same hotels that have spent the past however many years being distinctly unco-operative by going all-inclusive.
The hotels have of course bitten Delgado's hand off. They are attempting to appear to still be on speaking terms with the complementary sector by pointing out that it is only 30% of their areas that might become buffets, discos, rock concerts, sports facilities, and God knows what else. They also say that there will still be restrictions in place that limit their activities by comparison with less regulation elsewhere, such as in competitor tourist destinations. The complementary sector will doubtless be reassured. Or not.
And of course it isn't, which is why it has gone over Delgado's head and demanded to see the Marshall, i.e. President Bauzá, and tell him that his underling is about to break with years of tradition and with a balance of hotel and complementary offer that has existed since mass tourism first settled in the old wild west, east, south and north of Mallorca.
The hotels are being disingenuous. 30% can equate to an awful lot of passing trade attracted by a buffet at an absurdly low price which a hotel might, as an example, wish to offer. And the price could well be low, that much lower than an outside restaurant could offer, because to provide this buffet would require only minimal additional cost. And 30%, depending on how large a hotel is, can mean an awful lot of space and therefore an awful lot of customers who aren't staying at the hotel.
To make things even more ducky where the complementary offer is concerned is the fact that hotels are going to be given the go-ahead for staging beach parties through new beach clubs. Another foul is being called, especially by the outside club sector, and that good old stand-by of the environment is being invoked as a way of trying to prevent these parties. There will be damage to dunes and so on, a concern that had probably never occurred to the clubs previously but which now suits them to express.
This is the new tourism law, therefore. Its passage is still not guaranteed, but it is doubtful to get much more by way of re-drafting. And when it is passed, Mallorca becomes one big hotel. Welcome to the Hotel Mallorca, such a lovely place ... .
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
In truth, the hatchet wasn't ever buried, not where Carlos Delgado was concerned at any rate. The peace that had broken out between hoteliers in the Balearics and the complementary offer was intended to demonstrate that these two warring factions could create a unified front in the tourism sector. Perhaps the complementary offer - the bars, restaurants, clubs and what have you - were hoping that by appearing to be on the same side as the all-dominating hotel sector, the real enemy where it was concerned, tourism minister Delgado, might look more favourably upon it.
The hatchet had been brandished because of that part of the new tourism law which plans to grant hotels the opportunity of providing secondary activities in their grounds. By secondary activities, one means pretty much anything that is currently offered outside these grounds, which would, and this has really caused the complementary offer to engage in its war dance, be open to the general public. The secondary activities are the domain of the complementary offer; the way things are going, or the way the new tourism bill is going, there won't be an offer that complements hotels for much longer.
While the complementary offer is putting its warpaint on in seeking to encircle the wagons of the tourism ministry, its hoped-for cavalry in the form of the hotel sector has clearly forgotten that it came to some sort of agreement with the bars and restaurants back in February. I didn't think this new-found friendship would last and nor indeed has it.
When it became clear that Sheriff Delgado was intent on crashing through the saloon doors of the nearest bar or restaurant and firing from both hips an inducement to the hotels of making available 30% of their areas to new activities designed to fill further the hotels' safes, it was an offer the hotels couldn't refuse. What were they supposed to do? Say thanks very much, but we would rather our friends from the complementary sector didn't have to concern themselves with such new competition? If the bars, restaurants and so on had believed this, then they had been labouring under a serious misapprehension that suddenly the hotels were being co-operative and altruistic. These are, after all, the same hotels that have spent the past however many years being distinctly unco-operative by going all-inclusive.
The hotels have of course bitten Delgado's hand off. They are attempting to appear to still be on speaking terms with the complementary sector by pointing out that it is only 30% of their areas that might become buffets, discos, rock concerts, sports facilities, and God knows what else. They also say that there will still be restrictions in place that limit their activities by comparison with less regulation elsewhere, such as in competitor tourist destinations. The complementary sector will doubtless be reassured. Or not.
And of course it isn't, which is why it has gone over Delgado's head and demanded to see the Marshall, i.e. President Bauzá, and tell him that his underling is about to break with years of tradition and with a balance of hotel and complementary offer that has existed since mass tourism first settled in the old wild west, east, south and north of Mallorca.
The hotels are being disingenuous. 30% can equate to an awful lot of passing trade attracted by a buffet at an absurdly low price which a hotel might, as an example, wish to offer. And the price could well be low, that much lower than an outside restaurant could offer, because to provide this buffet would require only minimal additional cost. And 30%, depending on how large a hotel is, can mean an awful lot of space and therefore an awful lot of customers who aren't staying at the hotel.
To make things even more ducky where the complementary offer is concerned is the fact that hotels are going to be given the go-ahead for staging beach parties through new beach clubs. Another foul is being called, especially by the outside club sector, and that good old stand-by of the environment is being invoked as a way of trying to prevent these parties. There will be damage to dunes and so on, a concern that had probably never occurred to the clubs previously but which now suits them to express.
This is the new tourism law, therefore. Its passage is still not guaranteed, but it is doubtful to get much more by way of re-drafting. And when it is passed, Mallorca becomes one big hotel. Welcome to the Hotel Mallorca, such a lovely place ... .
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
MALLORCA TODAY - Balearics looks to fishing tourism
It may come as a surprise but there is no law governing fishing in the Balearics (it is the only regional authority to apparently not have one), so the regional government has drafted one. Part of it will be to open up the Balearics to fishing tourism.
See more: El Mundo
See more: El Mundo
MALLORCA TODAY - Complementary offer slams Balearics' tourism law
The complementary offer (bars, restaurants, nightclubs etc.) has criticised once again the changes to the Balearics' tourism law that will permit so-called secondary activities inside hotel grounds, i.e. those that are typically offered outside hotels. There are concerns with other aspects of the law as well, such as the organisation of beach parties.
The complementary offer and the hotels were meant some time ago to have arrived at some sort of accord in respect of the new law. This doesn't seem to have occurred, which probably comes as no great surprise.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
The complementary offer and the hotels were meant some time ago to have arrived at some sort of accord in respect of the new law. This doesn't seem to have occurred, which probably comes as no great surprise.
See more: Diario de Mallorca
MALLORCA TODAY - Incentives for hotels to open in winter called for
The boss of Air Berlin in Spain and Portugal, Alvaro Middelmann, has called on the regional government to introduce incentives to allow hotels to remain open in the winter off-season. Without being specific, Middelmann is alluding to the type of incentive that has been consistently called for over several years, one that might, for instance, see a form of tax break.
See more: Ultima Hora
See more: Ultima Hora
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