The association Proguías de Turismo de Mallorca has alerted the councillor Guillem Ginard about episodes of hostility and coercion experienced by professionals. It also demands more inspections against intrusiveness and measures to ensure job security.
The association Proguías de Turismo de Mallorca, part of PIMEM, has brought an uncomfortable reality to the table of the Consell de Mallorca: the increase in threats, coercion and hostility faced by tourist guides while performing their work. In a meeting with the tourism councillor, Guillem Ginard, the entity expressed its concern over a climate that, they warn, is becoming unsustainable for many professionals.
According to Proguías, members of the association and guides from other groups have been victims of intimidating episodes while conducting guided tours or accompanying tourists around the island. The organisation points out that a discourse is spreading that links tourism with negative connotations, and that this animosity ultimately falls on those who work legally in the sector.
A legal profession under pressure
Licensed guides —the association reminds— carry out a legal activity, pay taxes and contribute to the Balearic economy. However, they are forced to endure a climate of growing hostility that, they assert, not only affects their safety but also the quality of service they offer to visitors.
For this reason, Proguías demands from the Consell a clear response and specific protection measures that allow guides to perform their work safely and without intimidation. The entity insists that this is not an isolated problem, but rather a trend that is worsening and requires urgent action from the authorities.
For the reader in Mallorca, the situation is doubly relevant: on one hand, because the guides are the visible face of the island's tourist offering; on the other, because a climate of tension can ultimately harm the experience of tourists and, in the end, the reputation of the destination.
Intrusiveness: the other open front
In addition to safety, Proguías has highlighted labour intrusiveness as one of the major problems in the sector. The association considers current inspections insufficient and demands an increase in them to detect those who operate as guides without the proper qualifications.
But the demand goes further: the entity argues that actions should not be limited to irregular workers, but should also target the companies that hire them. In their view, intrusiveness creates unfair competition against licensed professionals, reduces guarantees for visitors and harms the quality of the tourist offering in Mallorca.
Accredited guides —Proguías emphasizes— fulfil their tax, administrative and training obligations, but find themselves at a disadvantage against unlicensed operators who operate without the same costs or requirements. A situation that, in the context of a mature destination like Mallorca, is particularly serious.
Equal access and everyday issues in Palma
Another issue discussed with the councillor was the call for tests to qualify guides from other qualifications. Proguías supports the initiative, as long as the evaluation criteria and language knowledge are equivalent to those required by the traditional route. The association fears that comparative grievances are being generated and calls for homogeneous standards of professional training.
Additionally, the entity has requested the collaboration of the Consell to resolve several issues affecting the daily lives of guides in Palma. Among them, the repair of the access stairs to the Seu from the Parc de la Mar, more effective action against illegal street vending, the implementation of a digital ticket sales system for the Castell de Bellver, and better planning of public works during the high season.
Proguías hopes that the Consell will take action on the matter and that, in future meetings, concrete measures can be established. In the meantime, the guides of Mallorca continue to carry out their work with the hope that respect and safety will not be a luxury, but a right.
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