Alcudia.Following an initial meeting at the end of July, representatives of bars and restaurants in Puerto Alcúdia held a second meeting yesterday to discuss ways of tackling the negative impact of all-inclusive hotels.
A dozen businesses attended to hear the president of the tourist businesses association Acotur, José Tirado, say that small businesses are angry at the lack of regulation and control of all-inclusives, not only in Alcúdia but across Majorca.
Sr. Tirado has demanded that limits be applied to the all-inclusive offer.
Stronger lobbying
There were calls for far stronger lobbying by businesses in the complementary sector to match that of the hotels which, said Sr. Tirado, were being given a blank cheque by the tourism ministry to do as they wish. There was also discussion of the need to motivate businesses into becoming more active in opposing all-inclusives.
With this in mind, Sr. Tirado agreed that there should be some mobilisation in November at which businesses from across Majorca could express their concerns.
Further discussion covered the quality of all-inclusives.
Opinion was divided, however, as to whether greater quality and therefore a more up-market tourist would be beneficial to bars and restaurants.
Quality
One view expressed was that it would be better if quality wasn't raised, as guests currently eat or drink outside all-inclusives because of poor quality offered by some hotels.