Mallorca: Globalia boss wins award amid tourism tax row

On Mallorca, Globalia founder Juan José Hidalgo collects the Balearics’ Businessperson of the Year 2026 award at a hotel in Palma on Friday, 6 November. The Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands (CAEB) honours three other business figures at the same gala. Before around 400 guests, its president, Carmen Planas, also challenges proposals to raise the tourism tax or use it for public housing.

Globalia’s Mallorca roots

Planas praises Hidalgo for taking risks and keeping Globalia’s registered headquarters in Llucmajor, Mallorca. She points to his role in developing Air Europa and expanding air travel and tourism services between Spain, Europe and America.

The other award recipients are Antoni Olives Vidal of Mascaró Morera, Yannik Erhart of Universal Beach Hotels and Natalia Maroto of ITCM Solutions. Balearic president Marga Prohens also pays tribute to them.

Tourism, housing and the next government

Planas says economic growth must improve residents’ quality of life. Recalling last summer’s protests against tourism, she says the islands need affordable homes and infrastructure suited to their population. But she opposes proposals to increase the tourism tax or spend its proceeds on public housing, arguing that the tax was not designed for that purpose.

Looking ahead to the 29 November general election, Planas calls for a government that offers stability and legal certainty. She also rejects the general strike called by the CCOO and UGT unions for 11 November. Prohens, meanwhile, says her administration should make it easier for businesses to invest, innovate and create jobs in the Balearics.

Topics: Tourism · Economy · Palma · Llucmajor

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com