Palma summit aims to tackle tourists’ alcohol abuse
Anti-social tourism, including drunken behaviour on flights and in clubs and hotels, has been discussed by industry leaders at a global summit in the Palma on the island of Majorca.
Hosted by the Balearic Islands Government, the meeting was attended by 80 participants from 10 countries, including representatives of ABTA, Thomas Cook, the British Consulate, the UK Retail Forum and the Alcohol Policy Youth Network, along with airport, police and university representatives.
Opening the meeting, president of the Balearic Islands Francina Armengol stressed the need to explore a series of measures to address alcohol abuse, saying: "This is a global issue which does not just impact the travel & tourism industry".
The Balearic Islands minister of Health, Patricia G0mez, highlighted both the economic and social consequences of alcohol abuse, stating how the costs can be long-term and life-changing. She reflected on the need for a preventative strategy that requires collaboration from all levels of society including private, public and administrative bodies.
Key issues that were debated in the round-table discussions included antisocial behaviour on flights caused by alcohol abuse and irresponsible behaviour in clubs, key leisure areas and hotels.
As well as discussion and debate, the objective of this summit was to discuss measures and solutions to address these key issues. The results of the debates, round-tables, questionnaires and panels will be presented via key administrative bodies including the Spanish government, the European Commission and the Regional Committee.
The summit was organised by the Balearic Islands authorities including the Ministry of Health and Tourism Strategy Agency, in collaboration with NGOs; Eurocare and Irefrea.
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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