Saatja: "JoventutXClima Mallorca" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "Tiit Riisalo"
Teema: EU Ministerial Meeting for Tourism
Kuupäev: 2023-10-18 11:53
Dear Mr Riisalo and members of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Communications,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Júlia Isern, I am a member of
the Alternative Summit for Tourism and Fridays for Future Mallorca.
As you may be aware, the upcoming EU informal ministerial meeting for
tourism is scheduled for the 30th and 31st of October in Palma, Mallorca.
Unfortunately, we have noted some opaqueness in the organisation of the
event, and it appears that civil society participation is limited. We
believe that open dialogue is crucial, and that is why we have organised an
event where citizens can participate and share their concerns about tourism,
the backbone of our economic model.
Despite ongoing discussions about sustainable tourism, the Balearic Islands
continue to shatter tourism records, with an expected 17 million visitors in
2023. Simultaneously, as the airport and harbours undergo expansion and mega
cruises become a regular presence in our city, the constraints on our
resources, including water, energy, and available land, present a growing
challenge. Moreover, the absence of diverse industries and agriculture makes
us vulnerable to crises like COVID-19.
While tourism has been an economic boon and cultural melting pot for
Mallorca over the centuries, the recent tourism explosion has reached an
unsustainable tipping point. Alarming data from
<https://www.ultimahora.es/noticias/local/2023/08/06/1989439/baleares-despena-ranking-europeo-bienestar-pese-crecimiento-economico.html>
Eurostat reveals that over the past 22 years, the islands have decreased 102
positions in per capita income. This decline underscores a disconcerting
reality: the quality of life in Mallorca is diminishing, despite the
economy's growth.
To foster reflection on this crucial topic and to actively engage with
citizens' concerns, over 30 organisations (Fridays for Future among them)
have organised an event on October 27 and 28, titled "Less Tourism, More
Life." This event includes expert-led round table discussions and welcomes
participation from all. It will take place in "Plaça del Quadrado," a
central historic square in Palma.
We warmly invite you and your team to join us at the upcoming event. We
firmly believe that this occasion presents an invaluable opportunity to gain
fresh perspectives on the prevailing issue.
While the regular interactions with Ministers across the EU are undoubtedly
significant, it is crucial to recognise that no policy can be effectively
implemented without the backing of the public. Thus, it is paramount to
actively listen to the concerns of the people, so that the policies that are
drafted can align more closely with their needs. By doing so, you will
ensure the success of your meeting and the resulting policy.
In an era where the European Union strives to be more responsive to citizen
concerns, we invite you to attend this event on the 27th and 28th of
October. The discussions will primarily be in Catalan, the language
Majorcans are most comfortable with, but we will provide English translation
via Zoom, the link to which will be sent in a follow-up email.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. We will send a
follow-up email where you will find the Zoom link to the event. Should you
need any further information on the topic, please do not hesitate to contact
me. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Júlia Isern on behalf of the Platform for the Alternative Summit for
Tourism.