A political party in Majorca has issued a new plan to reduce UK tourism by “40 per cent”
Majorca has introduced a new plan aimed at reducing UK tourism by “40 per cent.”
A motion has been registered with the Balearic Parliament by opposition party Més per Mallorca to decrease the weight of tourism in the islands’ economy by 40 per cent. This would be achieved by reducing the current number of tourist accommodation places (beds) by 40 per cent and establishing an annual cap on the number of tourists.
Més proposes ending tourism promotion at international fairs, banning private jets, not expanding airports, and cutting the number of flights and cruises. On Monday, the coordinator and spokesperson for Més per Mallorca, Lluís Apesteguia, stated: “The containment measures announced by President Prohens are insufficient given the current situation.”
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He emphasised the urgency of adopting policies of tourism degrowth and economic diversification to mitigate the effects of mass tourism, reports Birmingham Live.
In response to the calls, a local resident expressed frustration: “First, Airbnbs, or “Short Term Rentals” (STR) have been capped in the balearics since 2018. It’s not possible to get a licence anymore. Second, a couple of examples of cities who have banned them; Barcelona and New York City.
“So far, no evidence it’s had any impact on housing or rent prices. But it did remove income from some that were dependent on it, and for others, forced them to do it illegally.”
“What utter nonsense. Compulsory closure of some hotels? Mallorca to withdraw from all tourism marketing activities? It’s not tourists that kill a city. It’s the Government opposition party!” One person raged.
Another chimed in: “With better restrictions on building massive houses which are often only used a few months a year, in the middle of good farm land.
“Totally agree, start by knocking Morgan Welshman’s houses down as they fit the description you gave perfectly!
“How about Lluís Apesteguia saying thank you to the tourists that provided €2.8 billion in solidarity loans during covid, when the Socialists went begging to the EU for funds due to lack of tourism. This is money that has not been paid back yet, that has come out of the pockets of every taxpayer in the EU, the very tourists he claims to hate. I suggest he comes up with an idea to repay the money first. Very long arms, very short memories,” another retorted.
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