Guillem Ginard will be the new Tourism Minister of the Consell de Mallorca

PalmGuillem Ginard will most likely replace Marcial Rodríguez as head of the Tourism Department of the Consell de Mallorca. The change comes after a turbulent period in the department, marked by repeated problems in the management of the tourist accommodation system, which has failed in recent attempts at allocation and distribution, creating a sense of incompetence within the department and significant frustration within Llorenç Galmés's governing team. Furthermore, Marcial Rodríguez had been involved in major clashes with tourism inspection staff, which have eroded his political standing. The current head of the department, one of the most important in the Consell due to the scope of its responsibilities, was even singled out by public employees for clashes and pressures.

Over the past few months, the regional tourism department has faced increasing criticism for malfunctions in the computer system that regulates the exchange and transfer of tourist accommodation, a key tool in the policy of containing oversupply. Technical errors forced the cancellation of procedures, created legal uncertainty among owners and developers, and drew harsh criticism from the opposition. Adding to this situation were internal tensions with the tourism inspection service, which spilled over into the political arena and further weakened the regional minister's position.

In this context, the president of the regional government, according to sources familiar with the matter, decided before the holidays to make an internal change and was clear that he wanted someone with institutional experience. The name that has been circulating strongly this Monday, and which various sources consider a certainty, is that of Guillem Ginard, the current island director of Culture and a figure with a long political career, particularly linked to the rural areas of the island.

In any case, sources from the Consell (Island Council) have pointed out that "there is still a Tourism Councillor, and therefore, until there is a dismissal or resignation, no replacement can be discussed," they explained.

Former mayor of Campos

Ginard was mayor of Campos between 2007 and 2010, at that time a member of Unió Mallorquina (UM), during a period marked by complex agreements and a highly fragmented political landscape. During his term, he played a key role in important decisions, such as the restructuring of governing coalitions, and ultimately resigned in January 2010 to facilitate an agreement with the Campos pel Canvi coalition (PSM-PSOE-Entesa), within the framework of a mutually agreed-upon "roadmap." That same year, Ginard and most of the UM members in Campos left the party due to disagreements with the island leadership, an episode that practically left the party without a structure in the municipality. After his time in office, Ginard pursued a career in the private sector, although he has always maintained contacts within the cultural sphere. He has held several positions related to public administration and, in July 2023, returned to the Consell de Mallorca as Island Director of Culture, a role from which he has coordinated cultural, heritage, and artistic promotion projects throughout the island. His possible appointment as Tourism Councillor is part of Llorenç Galmés's attempt to restore internal cohesion and, above all, the management capacity of the tourism department, which currently holds fundamental responsibilities such as tourism inspection and regulation. The challenge is significant: to streamline the functioning of the tourist accommodation system, rebuild the relationship with the inspection teams, and manage one of the most controversial and crucial public policies for the future of Mallorca, at a time when tourist saturation is a very real concern on the island, and various groups are demanding decisive action against it.