ARCHIVED - Balearic Islands bans party boats and pool parties

“The season is lost” says the president of the Acotur tourist businesses association

The Balearic Islands Government has announced a ban on party boats and daytime parties in swimming pools due to the increase of covid cases in recent weeks. The sale of alcoholic beverages on boats is also restricted, both for transportation between islands and for excursions.

In addition, the Department of Health and Consumption will test workers and customers of bars and restaurants where coronavirus outbreaks occur. A telephone number will be provided so that whoever has been in premises that register outbreaks can call and take the test.

Last weekend the 17 autonomous regions of Spain agreed a generalised ban on the opening of discos, bars de copas and music venues, following on from the ban on night clubs and nocturnal leisure venues, so by now, the attraction of some of the famed night-life venues on the islands will have totally evaporated, leaving partygoers having to work hard to even find a drink past midnight.

The president of the Acotur tourist businesses association, Pepe Tirado, says that "the season is lost".
Last week the German government included the Balearic Islands in a generalised recommendation against travel to Spain, and insisting that anyone returning from Spain take a PCR test.

On Sunday TUi and DER Turistik cancelled all holidays to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Tourism accounts for 40% of GDP in the Balearics.

"Germany's decision is the final blow. In a week we will be in ICU (intensive care). They have eliminated us from the market, and tourists will choose other destinations

Jesús Sánchez of the Abone nightlife businesses association said, “I don't even want to imagine what the winter will be like."