Talk about head in the sand, and as I’ve written previously in this column, there’s no problem finding a patch on the beaches because they are far from overcrowded this year. So, the tourist industry, and all that feeds off it, is having a wobble this summer, but no one appears to either be prepared to fully admit it or tackle the problems.
Football fans will remember when, in 2000, the former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, hit out at certain sections of the crowds as the “prawn sandwich brigade” for enjoying luxury boxes and corporate hospitality rather than supporting a team or enjoying the sport.
Now, some 25 years later, holidaymakers in Mallorca have been described as “sandwich tourists” for failing to enjoy the island’s hospitality and restaurants by opting for a sandwich instead. I beg to differ. I’d say it’s because the majority either can’t afford the prices or don’t like being ripped off and that goes for visitors and local resident friends of mine.
For example, a little fancy beach shack in Illetas a few weeks was offering its dish of the day of tiger prawns, chips and a fried egg for 45 euros. That is daylight robbery and as I sat on the beach with a clear view - eating my sandwich with a nice cool beer - I didn’t see one order coming out of the kitchen. Surprised?