Majorca now begging tourists to return with free gifts after beaches left 'empty'
Businesses across Majorca have endured a difficult summer due to an increase in anti-tourism rhetoric.
Majorca will be giving free gifts to visitors in a bid to get tourists back to the Balearic Islands. It comes amid claims that growing anti-tourism rhetoric is pushing the island's economy to breaking point.
The new "Smile at a Tourist Day" initiative, organised by local retail group Afedeco, will see shops across Majorca give gift bags to tourists who make purchases at their stores on February 27 next year. The bags, which will be bright green, will have a message reading: "Tourist, go home happy. Be happier returning to Mallorca soon".
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As reported by the Daily Mail, beach businesses in Majorca have recently warned of a difficult summer season. Earnings have plummeted as the backlash against mass tourism intensifies.
Businesses such as beach bars, water activity operators and parasol hire companies are among those that have been hit the most. According to the Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (Adopuma), they have taken a hit of around 20 per cent in July compared to last summer, with poor weather, higher costs and falling demand to blame.
Increasingly aggressive anti-tourism sentiment is also having an impact, with Adopuma president Onofre Fornés explaining that "irresponsible negative messages against tourism" are causing a downturn in the local economy.
He said: "Reduced income, higher operating costs and subdued demand for key services, such as sun loungers and deckchairs, have affected turnover, for example in areas such as Playa de Muro and Can Picafort."
Restaurants are also underperforming while staff wages and the cost of goods have surged. It has left many local businesses worrying about their survival.
Tourists visiting resorts such as Cala Millor are reportedly holding off on spending until the final days of their holidays. This is far different from previous years where they would spend freely throughout their visit.
Operators say that Germans in particular, who make up a large sector of Majorca's markets, are becoming more cautious. Adopuma is urging the authorities to act quickly to ensure visitors feel welcome to the island and it remains affordable for everyone.
