Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Sun Ain't Shining No More

When the Mallorcan weather decides that it's going to pack up for the season, it doesn't hold back. Misery in autumn weather is not exactly an unknown here, but to hear or read what some have to say, you might believe that all it amounts to is a short sharp storm and then it's back to glorious sun. Sometimes that's so, but there is much selective memory at play and a great deal of ignorance. Almost inevitably, if one ever studies a forum and its regular September-October weather enquiries, there will be the eternal optimist who will swear blind that the worst that can happen is the sudden storm-then-sun scenario. It is not always like that. Like at the moment. The change has been profound. From not needing a sheet on the bed to dragging out the duvet, to even contemplating some heating, to wearing socks and sensible shoes; autumn is here. And as autumn starts, so there is another inevitability. What the hell's going to happen during the winter? And most obviously to tourism.

I can predict, with a degree of certainty, that over the next few weeks, there will be editorials devoted to the sorry state of winter tourism and to the fact that something needs to be done. There will also be reports that quote some usually anonymous bar owner or other who will say that winter used to be a period of wine and roses, and that something needs to be done. More selective memory, and ever more something needs to be done. Winter never was that good, and no one ever comes up with a prescription. It's the easiest and laziest form of media copy-filling to state what's wrong, but not offer any suggestions. So certain am I of these editorials and reports that I could write them now right here and wait to see when they appear. But I won't, for fear of boring you with repetition. I'll leave that to others.

The Exceltur organisation which is a national body devoted to tourism "excellence" says that there's talk of a "winter in Spain" promotion. I seem to remember there have been previous winter promotion ideas. The talking starts as the main season comes to an end. It is far too late. Again. How can a body claiming excellence put its name to a promotion that should have been discussed, finalised and initiated by now? While such national bodies and those for Mallorca doubtless have a role to play, they seem incapable of taking a longer-term perspective, such as planning a good year or so in advance.

Local town halls, such as Alcúdia, are trying to persuade more hotels to stay open. There may even be grants available to do so. Some hotels are not averse to the idea. But there is little or no point in deciding to do so now; it should have been agreed months ago. There is also little point in staying open if no one is going to come.

The easy option is to shrug the shoulders and say that there is nothing that can be done. It's not really an option any longer. As the main season seems to get shorter and the economy takes more of a hit, it is even less of an option. There is a fallacy about places such as Alcúdia and Pollensa that they are dead in winter. Some parts are, like The Mile, but the towns and the ports are not. Quiet, but not dead. As important is the fact that the island is not dead. There are many attractions that remain open all year, to say nothing of, into November, the local fairs and then Christmas/New Year and the fiestas of January. Perhaps it should fall to the towns or regions to bring about a meeting of minds that can establish programmes that make Alcúdia or Pollensa more attractive in winter. And programmes would be the key. Take, for instance, those fiestas in January. Those of Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastia make for an ideal focal point. A week's programme combining these, a day in Palma, a trip to La Reserva or the caves, the Soller train, a special dinner-dance, a couple of evenings with local entertainers, an evening of sangria and barbecue at Rancho Grande - might be chilly but then wrap up and do a bit of dancing. Even without the fiestas, there is enough for a good week's programme.

It would require any number of different parties agreeing; it would require good promotion, preferably through an integrated promotion that embraces other local initiatives all channelled through the Mallorca tourist authorities; it would require selling to the tour operators and to the airlines. But something of an, if you like, bottom-up approach by the towns might be more effective than general and often ill-thought-out top-down promotions. It wouldn't be a lot; of course it wouldn't be. But it could enable a few more hotels to sense an opportunity and to perhaps bring more to those bars, restaurants and shops that do operate all year. And maybe it would create a momentum, one that could result in Mallorca being blessed by one or two serious attractions that it currently lacks, for it is only through these - and not the trifling stuff of a bit of golf, a bit of shopping and a bit of culture - that the island could compete in winter. It has to start somewhere.

Incidentally, while I'm on the subject ... remember that so-called initiative involving the British Consul? Can anyone tell me what happened to that? No, I don't suppose you can.


ALCUDIA - SANCTIONS AGAINST STREET SELLERS
I shall be doing more on this tomorrow probably, but news is coming through regarding sanctions to be put into place by Alcúdia town hall against a variety of street carryings-on, including illegal selling, prostitution and the "botellón" (the street drinking party). These sanctions, fines of varying amounts, can apply not only to sellers but also to those buying from them. As I say, more, quite a bit more of this to come.


QUIZ
Yesterday's title - The Beatles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COMsKPeWAsw). Today's title - Danish; one of the songs of the year. Similar title to The Walker Brothers of some days back, but very different.

(PLEASE REPLY TO andrew@thealcudiaguide.com AND NOT VIA THE COMMENTS THINGY HERE.)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Interesting article, although I would be keen to hear what are the 1 or 2 attractions you would propose to attract winter visitors?