By Jason Moore
THE future of Magalluf in the long-term is looking bright. A major hotel chain has announced a massive redevelopment plan to link up some of its hotels in a major project. Property prices in the area will rise as a direct result and Magalluf should once again be one of the jewels in Majorca´s tourism crown. But, the short-term is not so rosy.
As you will read in today´s newspaper, some parts of Magalluf are almost becoming a no-go area as a result of rising crime and prostitution. Calvia taxi drivers have already protested against this problem; prostitution no, tourists yes, was their battle cry. Other business people in the area think likewise. It is time for the council to act. I have seen that the municipal police have been given greater powers. This is good news and hopefully they will be able to clear Magalluf of the prostitution problem. I have been told of numerous incidents which have broken out this summer involving the prostitutes. Tourists have been robbed and attacked. This state of affairs simply can´t be allowed to continue in one of Majorca´s principal tourist resorts. Unfortunately, this problem not only occurs in Magalluf. Certain parts of the Playa de Palma have similar problems. It is time for the local authorities to act and quick. Majorca can´t afford for its principal resorts to get a reputation for crime and other incidents. The authorities must ensure that there are sufficient numbers of police officers on duty to deal with the problem.