Juan Sendin, the Alcudia deputy mayor with responsibilities for tourism and the local police, has condemned recent graffiti in the historic centre of Alcudia, which was declared a 'Conjunto Histórico Artístico' some 25 years ago. This Spanish designation is similar to the concept of a Conservation Area.
Sendín has expressed his "deep indignation and firm condemnation". "This anti-tourism graffiti is absolutely intolerable. We cannot and will not allow a few individuals, with their antisocial and criminal actions, to tarnish our heritage and our image.
"Alcudia's historic centre is our most precious treasure, a jewel we have preserved for decades and a fundamental pillar of our identity. I want to be very clear: Alcudia is a city that loves its heritage and welcomes visitors with respect. These messages of hate and anti-tourism sentiment are a direct attack not only on our historical legacy but also on community life and our local development model. We will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines respect for public spaces and our heritage." (Sendin specifically notes that the anti-tourism message was in Catalan; he is a member of Vox.)
He has given his full support to the police, who have said they will track down the perpetrators. "I guarantee that you will face all the legal and financial consequences of the damage caused in our municipality. Vandalism is a crime and will be prosecuted with the utmost firmness."
Sendin has distanced himself from accusations that have emanated from Vox headquarters in Palma. These claim that PSOE at the town hall have contributed to anti-tourism sentiment. Joan Gaspar Vallori, a former tourism councillor, says: "It is absolutely false that our party - either directly or indirectly - fosters any climate of hostility toward tourism. Our track record is clear. We have always defended a sustainable tourism model, respectful of community life and based on dialogue among all stakeholders. We insist that Vox stop using falsehoods to try to undermine the opposition, to apologise, and to act with institutional respect."
* It might be noted that the anti-tourism graffiti was just one among others. The generally held view is that the graffiti was the work of some youths intent on vandalism.