PSIB attacks Consell de Mallorca tourism policy

PSIB has accused the Consell de Mallorca of mishandling tourism policy, citing repeated leadership changes within the department. The opposition party made the criticism in Palma, Mallorca, on 20 August after Clara del Moral, the island director for Tourism Offer and Quality, said she would retire in September.

Socialist councillor Andreu Serra said the turnover showed a lack of leadership by Consell president Llorenç Galmés. He said the changes went beyond routine internal restructuring.

Changes in the tourism department

According to Serra, the island’s tourism directorate has had two changes of leadership during the current term. He also pointed to the replacement of the department’s technical secretary and the official responsible for tourism planning.

Serra referred to José Marcial Rodríguez being replaced by Guillem Ginard as head of tourism. He also recalled an internal complaint by civil servants alleging coercion, threats and an attempted assault on the head of the inspection service.

Holiday-let concerns

The PSIB also criticised problems with the allocation of 654 tourist-rental places, which it said was disrupted by computer issues. Habtur called for a resignation after the Consell said that almost 40 per cent of accommodation advertised on online platforms was illegal.

Serra said the developments were especially serious because this was the first term in which the island institution held all tourism powers. He added that illegal holiday rentals were operating without effective oversight.

Topics: Housing · Tourism · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com