Two hammocks and a parasol reach 125 euros a day in Cala Major

PalmaThe GOB has reported “serious irregularities” in the seasonal services of Cala Major, where this summer two sunbeds and a parasol are being offered for up to 125 euros per day in a modality that the environmental organization considers does not conform to the rates provided for in the authorization documentation.

The organization had already brought the facts to the attention of the General Directorate of Coasts and Littoral last June, after detecting prices higher than those that appeared in the economic study that served as the basis for the authorization of the seasonal services.

In Cala Major, the signs installed this summer announce 15 euros for a parasol, 25 euros for two sunbeds and 35 euros for the set of two sunbeds and a parasol. Simultaneously, however, a ‘premium’ modality of 125 euros per day is also being marketed.

The GOB considers that these rates contrast with those collected in the economic study of the operation of seasonal services on the beaches of Palma, incorporated into the project that was submitted to public information. In that document, among others, six euros for a sunbed and six euros for a parasol were foreseen.

A complaint that already comes from the Platja de Palma

It is not the first time this summer that GOB has warned about these types of practices. Last June, it already denounced to the Coastal Authority the rates for seasonal services at the Platja de Palma, where it had verified that ten euros were being charged per sunbed or umbrella unit.

The environmentalists also warned at that time about the existence of 'VIP' modalities that, according to the organization, were not included among the elements provided for in the authorization project.

With the new case of Cala Major, GOB considers that there are “signs of a general problem” in the exploitation model of the seasonal services on the beaches of Palma and calls for action from the administrations.

The organization considers it especially worrying that a maritime and terrestrial public domain space can operate with a “logic of economic segmentation” that turns a part of the beach into a luxury product.

“Beaches are a public good and their use cannot be progressively conditioned by the purchasing power of users,” GOB defends.

The organization frames this situation in a context of tourist pressure and beach saturation, which, it believes, makes it difficult for residents to enjoy the coastline on equal terms.

GOB will return to the Coastal Authority

Given this situation, GOB will file a new complaint with the Directorate General for Coasts and Littoral and will demand that it be verified "exhaustively" whether the seasonal services comply with the conditions established in both the authorization and the municipal tender.

The request focuses especially on determining whether the rates and commercial modalities currently offered at Cala Major conform to the project that served as the basis for authorizing the operation of the seasonal services.