Mallorca’s parliament will cut down the number of international tourism fairs it will take part in next year, taking part in only 11, 68% fewer than in 2019. Speaking at today’s general policy debate, Llorens Galmes, president of Mallorca’s parliament, stressed that “Mallorca does not have a demand problem and does not need to take part in fairs to attract more tourists. Of course, we will continue to take part in the most important fairs, but we will not promote traditional sun and beach tourism.”
“These are far-reaching measures, the like of which have never been adopted before, to address the major challenges facing our society that require immediate solutions,” the president said, boasting that he had “achieved more in one year” than his left-wing coalition had achieved in eight years.
The President of the Balearic Islands Government, Marga Progens, today called for a constructive debate on tourism overcrowding in the islands and looks forward to talks on limiting tourism for the well-being of the population. She was speaking at the first Civil Society Tourism Conference. “We can address this debate if we work together, with a common belief that courageous measures are necessary,” she said.
Prohens hopes the conference will produce data, research and proposals that will be “listened to” and lead to a social and political agreement for the islands’ sustainability.
She said it was “essential” to pay attention and listen to the voice of the people, which is why she has insisted on analysing the social unrest that has risen in recent years due to the saturation of tourism in the region.
She stressed that members of the public and organisations will soon be able to submit proposals through a public participation website, which will then be passed to the roundtable. Progens regretted that “time and time again” laws have been passed in the Balearic Islands without enough data and information, something that should never be repeated, and called for responsibility and a clear vision so that a constructive debate on the management and containment of tourism can emerge from the meeting.
