Magaluf to repair image in UK following sex-video scandal
Spain is reported to be planning a major PR drive in the UK to repair Magaluf’s tarnished image following a bar sex scandal involving a British teenager.
Officials from the island of Majorca are believed to have met Spain’s tourism chiefs and British Embassy representatives in Madrid this week to discuss a joint campaign to clean up the party resort’s image, said the Daily Mail.
In particular, they want to persuade families that Magaluf is not all about sex and cheap alcohol despite the release of a video that showed a British teenage girl performing a sex act on 24 men in a bar during a pub crawl organised by British firm Carnage Magalluf.
Today, the Mayor of Calvia Manuel Onieva issued a statement expressing his "total rejection and anger" at the activities carried out in the video.
"I must highlight that with immediate effect a police investigation has commenced and this issue is in the hands of the Town Hall legal services department. They have the responsibility to observe this situation from our legal perspective so we can explore options to prevent events like this occurring in our resort and leisure areas."
He said new laws have now been passed giving authorities tighter control over the operation of pub crawl organisers.
"Companies operating pub crawls in Calvia now have to apply for a licence through the town hall," he said.
"They have to prove their responsibility and show that they have the appropriate civil insurances in place. Each pub crawl guide will have to wear a specific jacket so local police can monitor those operating in the region and identify those that have been approved. Pub crawl groups can now not exceed more than 50 people and if any operators exceed this legal capacity, they will be fined."
He said since 2012, Visit Calvia has been working very successfully with specialist travel and tourism PR and Marketing agency KBC PR & Marketing in the UK, to change the perception of the region.
"Our efforts have generated huge success for Calvia, including great publicity for our new beach clubs and upmarket bars and hotels, partnerships with specialist operators such as Stephen Roche Holidays to showcase our world-class cycling opportunities, and a marketing and PR campaign to highlight Calvià’s family-friendly attractions, gastronomy, hiking trails and natural beauty.
"It is such a shame that an irresponsible act by one rogue operator is threatening to undo our hard work. Our commitment to promote our beautiful region to the UK remains as strong as ever."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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