Majorca beaches face 'tourist downturn' over 'sunbed and umbrella shortage'

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, three Majorcan beaches are yet to be allowed offer seasonal services like sunbeds and umbrellas, reportedly causing concern for local businesses and hotels.

The popular tourist spots of Cala San Vicenc, Albercuix and Tamarells in Pollensa on the Spanish island are said to be still awaiting town hall approval to provide these essential beach services, reports the Express.

Jaume Salas, the president of the hoteliers, expressed his concerns to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, stating: "Many of the users have opted to go to Alcudia, for all the amenities that its beach services. Families, who come with children and with elderly people, want to be able to lie on a sun bed and enjoy some shade."

Salas also mentioned that Pollensa mayor Marti March "is aware of the situation and has shown very good predisposition. The mayor has shown us his support and is doing everything possible to expedite the procedures."

This isn't an unfamiliar issue. Every four years, Pollensa town hall must reapply for beach service authorisation, which involves paying a fee to the Balearic government's coasts department. Once granted, the council can then issue the tender, receive bids, and make awards.

Despite a significant reduction in prices after the initial tender didn't receive any offers, due to a 130% hike in canon, the Pollensa Port Resident Association (AVP) has now stepped in. Having been in charge of this ongoing saga for around four decades, AVP have thrown their hat into the ring once again and in the absence of competition, they are anticipated to clinch the contract.

Nonetheless, this delay in awarding the tender has triggered more than just an inconvenience for possible vacationers. The unfortunate fallout from these circumstances has left two dozen workers without a job and income as they patiently wait for the contract to be decided upon.

Council insiders have revealed that preparations for cleaning our beloved beaches are slated to commence this week itself. It's a move designed to get sunbeds and parasols up and running as soon as the contract gets its green light.

In parallel to these local issues, tourists island-wide on Majorca are busy grappling with another threat - dangerous 'rip currents. Just last week, emergency services mounted a successful rescue operation involving five Germans caught in the perilous waters.

Ocean Today offered some crucial advice on the matter: "Always let a lifeguard make a rip current rescue because often, the people that try to make rescues themselves end up being the ones who drown", cautioning, "Instead, the best way to help is to throw them something that floats and immediately get a lifeguard for help."

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