Daylight brawl leads to pleads for an end to 'drunken tourism' on the Balearics

The Balearic Council is to plead with tour operators to stop selling ‘drunken tourism’ to holidaymakers.

It comes after the latest violent incident on the island, as video of two groups of German tourists brawling in s’Arenal, Palma, appeared on social media, leading Antoni Noguera, mayor of Palma, to demand that Germany ends “junk tourism.”

While some witnesses complained that no police were seen throughout the 10-minute punchup, with the shocking footage showing several men bloodied and beaten while one is left unconscious after being kicked repeatedly in the head while down.

The incident took place in broad daylight and led to a furious response from politicians.

A first meeting between the regional council, municipal delegations from Palma, Calvia and Llucmajor, and representatives from the tourism industry was held yesterday (Wednesday) after weeks of discussion over how to solve the problem, which mainly affects Magaluf and s’Arenal.

Biel Barcelo, vice president of the regional council and tourism councillor, said: “We do not want this kind of tourism, we have to carry out each and every action necessary to put an end to it.”

Although a handful of firms apparently recognised their responsibility, most reportedly pointed out that they also sell family holidays, and that boozefuelled revellers head to certain parts of Mallorca because businesses and entire districts cater specifically for them.

Pilar Carbonell, Director General of Tourism, added that work on modifying tourism law is underway, and has already resulted in restrictions to alcohol consumption in all-inclusive resorts.