Majorca has told UK tourists "we DO want tourists" after weeks and months of protests. European Union holidaymakers have been supported by Pedro Fiol who is the president of Aviba, the Association of Balearic Travel Agents. He said: “Furthermore, as a Mallorcan, contrary to what some of the protesters think about us in the tourist industry, I care deeply about protecting and preserving Mallorca.
I live here and I want to enjoy this beautiful island, but we’ve all got make a living and that living, for the vast majority of people, comes from tourism. And I’m afraid the complementary sector has suffered this year.” “We cannot forget that our main economic engine is tourism.
Moreover, at some point in our lives we all like to be tourists,” he concluded. The Aviba president pointed out that 34% of the tourists who come to Mallorca do so by means of tour operators, and he adds that if it were not for this, “it would have averages similar to those of an urban destination”. READ MORE UK warned 'dark red' weather shift will begin next week with two areas worst-hit He also stressed that “Palma city is dragging these figures down”.
He said: “But in the short term we have to make sure we transmit the right message because perception is crucial. What we can’t afford is to have double standards, double morals. Yes, there is a lack of affordable housing and wages which are not in line with inflation.
These should be the slogans for the protests which are anti-government policy, not anti-tourism. “But the perception overseas and in the international media is that tourists are the root cause and are therefore not wanted. This is certainly not the case and someone senior in government, for example the president of the Balearics, should go to the UK and Germany and address the media and make this clear.
“The United Kingdom and Germany are the foundations, the pillars of our tourist industry and we have got to make sure they remain strong because we can’t afford to see the tourist industry falter. So we need an honest debate and, where possible, quick and simple solutions.".
