NOISE and lack of security are the biggest concerns of tourists staying at the Playa de Palma, closely followed by a lack of diversity in the complementary offer (bars, restaurants, shops, etc) and the overcrowding on public transport.
This was revealed in a survey conducted by Gadeso among guests at various hotels in the area.
The survey concluded that another of the weak spots of the Playa de Palma is a lack of green zones.
The survey analyses interviews with guests in the Playa de Palma, Arenal and Can Pastilla, covering the complementary offer, beach, surroundings, transport and services.
The general degree of satisfaction has dropped from 5.8 points in 2004 to 5.6 this year, a far cry from the 7.9 rating of 2002.
Transport and services dropped to 5.3 because of a poor rating of citizen security, which reflected insecurity caused by street vendors and certain leisure areas and bars.
The transport rating was 5.5, due to poor maintenance of buses, poor state of bus stops and over crowding at certain times of day.
The most positive aspects of the Playa de Palma are related to the beach, particularly the cleanliness of the sand and the amenities of the promenade.
As to the complementary offer, some tourists found it excessive and repetitive particularly in shops, and there has been an increase in the number of fast food outlets.
The Arenal area had the lowest rating with 5.4 points, followed by Can Pastilla with 5.6 points.
A spokesman for Gadeso said that it was cause for concern that the weakest points this year are the same as those of last year, when the Balearic government launched its plan for reconverting the zone, which already highlighted these defects as serious threats for the area.
The survey says that it is evident that the main attractions of the Playa de Palma are sun and sand, but as the area is no longer a cheap destination, it is necessary to improve the quality of the surroundings, services and basic offer.