The UK’s ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, clarified today that the Balearic and British governments are working in favor of “sustainable tourism” which understands that “there are limits” during holidays and that “we must be respectful”. Elliott noted that the current situation was “post-COVID” and insisted that the rules of urbanization must be respected, a message against overtourism that will continue to be carried in the British media.
Elliott, who met today with the president of the Balearic Islands, Francena Armingol, to discuss matters relating to the coming of summer, was confident that the islands would count again this summer. With 3.7 million British visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.
Elliott explained that at the moment there are only “hints” about the new summer, but that April was “very strong and very good,” adding “credibility” to the fact that traditional summer months are too.
The President of the Balearic Islands with the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot.
Elliott said after this meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Finance and External Relations, Rosario Sanchez, that the new year’s data is “very encouraging”; The Consul General of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in Catalonia, Aragon, Andorra and the Balearic Islands, Lloyd Millen, and Vice Consul of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in the Balearic Islands, Lucy Gorman.
Regulations
The ambassador downplayed the fact that the British should carry their passports with them, and hoped they would be out and in by Balearic and European airports are “as smooth as possible”.
It should be remembered that last April, Portugal became the first country in the European Union to stop considering British travelers as “third country” visitors, thus defying Brexit, allowing them to pass through special gates (and gates) and avoiding long queues.
Passports
The ambassador was asked about the British government’s recommendation for its citizens to apply for their passports ten weeks in advance Because of the many requests that you want to travel.
The diplomat commented that after the pandemic, there are “extraordinary” cases and that despite “the fact that there are delays” in obtaining a passport, the British authorities are working so that all tourists have their official travel documents. These are temporary problems and small stumbling blocks that will be resolved.”
Regarding the criticism of parties and social groups in the Balearic Islands over the overcrowding of tourists in the archipelago, Elliott replied that he was “aware” of this public debate and responded by saying:Any decision taken in this regard will be respected.”
“Big movements of people have certain consequences and you have to see where the balance is,” he added.
more information:
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The UK’s Balearic Islands will explain the ban on overtourism
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