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Interview with José Luis Mateo, Councillor of Housing, Territory and Mobility of the Government of the Balearic Islands

Greetings and kind thanks for your attention

Thank you. At the “Buades Legal” law firm, with which I have had the opportunity to work on a joint basis and collaborate through the Faculty of Law of the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), in the Legal Oratory competition which celebrated its 7th edition on 3rd of May.

Now, based on my duties as Councillor of Housing, Territory and Mobility of the Government of the Balearic Islands, it is an honour that you have contacted me to outline the work initiatives that we are implementing by the Council and the challenges essentially related to housing and mobility.

Due to your long career as a Corporate Law professor, as well as holding different posts of responsibility at the Faculty of Law in the UIB, what helps you when focusing on the projects and adversities that are currently faced at the Council of Housing, Territory and Mobility of the Government of the Balearic Islands?

At the Council of Housing, Territory and Mobility, we prioritise the needs of the residents of the Balearic Islands, such as key improvements in transport services or how they can purchase a house at affordable prices.

With regards to housing, after one year of price increases and a housing shortage, we must work on new measures and programmes to provide effective solutions for this problem. We must provide security and increase the supply. We must create more houses at affordable prices for the residents of the Balearic Islands by working on new public housing development projects with the collaboration of the private sector to define the public-private collaboration initiatives.

In reference to mobility, we are working hard to provide solutions and improvements with a clear investment in sustainable mobility. The number of public transport users has risen in recent years. Our aim is to continue to improve this sector, to reinforce the work staff in order to manage this growth in frequency and timetables, as well as guarantee the safety and improvement of the infrastructures.

In relation to territory, at this time the Government is working on a new Urban Planning Law for the Balearic Islands, with the aim to establish clearer and more simple regulations adapted to the current reality, which simplify and speed up the procedures, which facilitate revision and changes in the plans, at the same time, ensuring the adaptation of the urban planning ordinances, the territorial sectors and planning instruments, so that municipalities can exercise their urban planning competencies in the most effective way.

Likewise, we are working on the first Cartography Act of the Balearic Islands that will allow us to have a more organised, cohesive and coordinated mapping system among all the public administrations. This new law will be essential to make key decisions in territorial planning and development matters.

We are also developing technical planning standards, which have the aim to normalise the aspects related to the structure, content and format of the documents that comprise the planning instruments, through the standardisation of the cartography, the general urban planning terminology and concepts, with the objective to reduce the degree of discretionality, simplify the processing and facilitate integration in the urban planning information system of the Balearic Islands.

What are the main challenges that you face in your post at this time, both in reference to housing as well as mobility and territory? How do you plan to focus your work projects in the next few years?

At the Council of Housing, Territory and Mobility, we prioritise the needs of the residents of the Balearic Islands, such as key improvements in transport services or how they can purchase a house at affordable prices.

With regards to housing, after one year of price increases and a housing shortage, we must work on new measures and programmes to provide effective solutions for this problem. We must provide security and increase the supply. We must create more houses at affordable prices for the residents of the Balearic Islands by working on new public housing development projects with the collaboration of the private sector to define the public-private collaboration initiatives.

In reference to mobility, we are working hard to provide solutions and improvements with a clear investment in sustainable mobility. The number of public transport users has risen in recent years. Our aim is to continue to improve this sector, to reinforce the work staff in order to manage this growth in frequency and timetables, as well as guarantee the safety and improvement of the infrastructures.

In relation to territory, at this time the Government is working on a new Urban Planning Law for the Balearic Islands, with the aim to establish clearer and more simple regulations adapted to the current reality, which simplify and speed up the procedures, which facilitate revision and changes in the plans, at the same time, ensuring the adaptation of the urban planning ordinances, the territorial sectors and planning instruments, so that municipalities can exercise their urban planning competencies in the most effective way.

Likewise, we are working on the first Cartography Act of the Balearic Islands that will allow us to have a more organised, cohesive and coordinated mapping system among all the public administrations. This new law will be essential to make key decisions in territorial planning and development matters.

We are also developing technical planning standards, which have the aim to normalise the aspects related to the structure, content and format of the documents that comprise the planning instruments, through the standardisation of the cartography, the general urban planning terminology and concepts, with the objective to reduce the degree of discretionality, simplify the processing and facilitate integration in the urban planning information system of the Balearic Islands.

One of the issues that most concern the citizens in the Balearic Islands is the housing shortage and rising prices. What measures have this Government implemented to solve these problems?

On day one, this Government has worked to alleviate the current situation by means of different measures and programmes with the aim to launch houses on the market at affordable prices.

With the shock plan announced by the President of the Government, in the first phase, it is estimated that more than 7,000 houses will be built with prices that are affordable for the Balearic Islands’ citizens.
In the short term with the “Lloguer Segur” programme presented a few days ago, we expect for new houses to be launched on the market.

This programme was implemented in November and its aim is to provide incentives to increase the supply of empty houses in the market and provide security for the owners and tenants to offer these houses at a reduced price for residents.

We expect that these houses, whose terms to join this programme are that they must be in good condition so that they can be immediately leased, can be released in the market this year.

In relation to the implementation of the Law Decree of urgent measures to facilitate access to affordable housing, approved as a law in Parliament, the forecast is that starting this year or next year, it will be possible to sell or lease houses at a limited price for the premise reconversion and housing partition projects, since they do not involve newly built housing works which generally require a longer execution time.

In the mid- and long-term, houses have been planned in new IBAVI property developments with approximately 600 houses, as well as the remaining measures of the decree and the development of the “Construir per Llogar” programme, with the assignment of public land for these private ventures.
We have also implemented a new Housing Act which aims to regulate and improve the procedures of the current law and promote measures that facilitate access to housing at affordable prices, thus enhancing public-private collaboration, with measures that can reduce illegal occupancy with a clear investment to provide incentives and avoid interventionist measures.

Another one of the projects that we are developing and which I would like to highlight is the founding of the Housing Observatory of the Balearic Islands, a historical demand from the sector which will make it possible to collect data about the real housing situation on the islands for their expert analysis and communication. It will provide support to public and private agents when they must make key decisions.

And if we focus on mobility issues, what improvements have been carried out at this time and what is the Government’s road map in this matter?

Considering the major growth of users that we have recorded in recent years, the Government has been working on different improvements in the Interurban TIB public transport network (buses, train and metro).

There are additional actions to improve public transport, infrastructures and the current network. We are working on safety, lighting, cleaning of SFM stations well as the elimination of ground-level crossings.

We have made progress to improve and develop the TIB bus networks, with reinforcements in winter, 27 lines in November 2023, as well as the summer season, with a new line in the Tramuntana mountain district and improvements in 24 lines since March 2024. At SFM, we have initiated frequency improvements and others are in the planning phase.

On the other hand, the extension works continue for the Palma metro system from the University (UIB) up to Parc Bit. We are currently in the last phase at this time.

We are also working to expand the fleet and staff. 10 new buses have already been included in the TIB network, and we have received 5 new trains to reinforce the SFM fleet and work is under way to increase the railway company personnel.

Soon an agreement will be submitted for approval by the Governing Council to amend the TIB bus concessions in Mallorca, in order to adapt the network to the growth in users. In summary, this represents a budget increase of the concession contracts amounting to approximately 150 million euros (from 436 to 580), with a 50% increase in the supply of bus transport in relation to what was included in the contracts as well as the incorporation of 27 buses.

Several weeks ago, we submitted the Palma-Llucmajor train plan, which has begun its public exhibition at this time. It is a line that will connect Palma and Llucmajor in 28 minutes; Palma with the airport in 11 minutes; Palma to the Hospital of Son Llatzer in 6 minutes and Llucmajor to the airport in 17 minutes.

In the upcoming years, how do you feel about exclusively returning to teach your classes or your vocation to public service?

As Seneca elegantly stated: ‘’You must continue learning until the end of your life’’. And this is what I foresee for myself in the next few years; my desire to learn will never cease. This is the key; this is what keeps us alive and gives us the strength to get up every day.

I am a family person. The family is my centre and it is what is most important, however, work is also essential, hence every day allows us to achieve our potential based on a professional perspective.

I feel joy because during my professional career of over 20 years, I have never stopped learning from my students, my friends and my work colleagues; as well as last year in the Parliament of the Balearic Islands jointly with the magnificent professional team at the Council. I have never stopped learning and taking good notes. In fact, I have always believed that just by surrounding oneself with people who are better than you, you can make major decisions, in this case, to improve the lives of our Islands’ citizens.

On the other hand, it is quite daring to discuss politics or talk about the future, to say the least. However, what I can confirm on today’s date is that I hope to respond in a better way and be worthy of the trust that the President of the Government of the Balearic Islands has placed in me. Our President, Marga Prohens, has entrusted me and my team to fulfil the objectives of this legislative session and as long as I maintain this trust, I do not think about anything else. I do not think beyond that. We are all focused on fulfilling the promises that we have made to the citizens of our Islands.

And when I return to the University, I will enter this classroom again, in this office in this Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos building with the same enthusiasm as on the first day. And I will continue insisting to my students. I will ask them to keep asking questions, to open their minds, to search for their paths, and in the last instance, I want them to be happy.

Otherwise, talking about the future is to talk about uncertainty, doubt and insecurity. And to a degree this is true. We never know what may happen or what we can do to take advantage of what surrounds us. Nevertheless and being aware of our painfully obvious limitations, life deserves that we do not wait for things to happen but we must be able to create the things that happen to us. Life demands that we be brave and abandon our comfort zones and to do our absolute best in everything that we endeavour. To sum up as the philosopher and thinker Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”.

On June 20, Joan Buades, managing partner of Buades Legal, attended the inauguration of the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum in Alcudia. The event was graced by the presence of the President of the Government, Marga Prohens, who described the museum as a “hidden gem”. During the visit, the cultural and heritage significance of the museum, which houses a diverse and significant collection of art and artifacts, was highlighted.

The celebration brought together various personalities from the cultural and political spheres, who toured the museum’s facilities and appreciated the exhibitions on display. The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum, known for its commitment to the conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage, represents a valuable resource for the community and tourism in the region.

On June 20, Joan Buades and Gabriel Buades, managing partners of Buades Legal, attended the event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Hosteltur. During the event, Gloria Fluxà, vice president and sustainability director of Iberostar, was recognized along with her father, Miguel Fluxà, for their commitment to responsible tourism as a key to a better future. Fluxà called for joint action to achieve a positive impact on the tourism industry and emphasized the crucial role of sustainability in the sector’s development.

The celebration brought together numerous professionals and experts from the tourism sector, who shared experiences and discussed best practices to promote more responsible and sustainable tourism.

Interview with Lucas Pastor, president of the Balearic Islands Ecological Transition Cluster

The Ecological Transition Cluster of the Balearic Islands was born in 2022: can you explain to us its purpose, who are its members and what are its current lines of work?

The TEIB Cluster was founded at the end of 2022 with a clear mission: to bring together the public-private ecosystem of the Balearic Islands to promote the ecological transition by improving communication, coordination and collaboration between these actors. The Balearic Islands needed a grouping of companies, knowledge centers, public institutions and social agents to address the environmental and climate challenges we face.

Currently, the TEIB Cluster brings together a total of 32 members representing companies, public and private research and training centers, professional associations and public bodies involved in the implementation of innovative joint projects in the field of ecological transition. Although the participation of SMEs is the majority (about 70%), the critical mass of the TEIB Cluster represents a turnover of over 1,200 million euros, representing more than 4% of the Balearic GDP and more than 30% of GDP in the sector.

The combination of tractor companies with innovative SMEs and the participation of knowledge agents (universities and expert groups) facilitates the approach of innovation projects around the strategic areas of the association: renewable generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, sustainable mobility, circular economy, blue economy, digitalization, smart resource management and electrification.

The challenge of corporate sustainability and emissions reduction is a major challenge in today’s world. what changes do you consider can’t be postponed in the Balearic Islands in this regard in order to achieve maximum efficiency, optimization of resource use and the widespread use of renewable energies?

In the current context, sustainability has positioned itself as a strategic aspect in the business and social environment. Both at government and business level, strategic plans are designed in which sustainability improvement plays a crucial role. However, in order to move towards a more sustainable model, it is crucial to implement a series of fundamental changes.

Firstly, it is necessary to provide greater incentives for investment in infrastructure and renewable technologies. This implies not only financially supporting the adoption of clean energy, but also creating an enabling environment for the development of large renewable energy, resource efficiency and circular economy projects. These projects not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also generate employment, contribute to the energy sovereignty of the Balearic Islands and promote local economic development.

In addition, it is essential to support the innovative ecosystem, providing resources and funding for research, development and innovation in local companies. In a region that has not traditionally stood out for its investment in R&D&I, fostering collaboration between companies, research groups and universities can generate significant advances in the search for more efficient alternatives.

Simplifying administrative procedures and breaking down legal barriers is another crucial aspect. The experience we have in the TEIB Cluster thanks to the Clean Energy For European Islands (CE4EUI) project is that green transition projects often face bureaucratic and legal obstacles that hinder their implementation. Streamlining administrative processes and eliminating obsolete or contradictory regulations is necessary to facilitate the success and viability of projects.

Furthermore, to boost business sustainability, it is essential to increase the capacity to generate, attract and retain talent in Balearic companies. This involves not only training employees in areas such as the installation of renewable systems, but also attracting professionals with experience in areas such as environmental management, digitization of resources (energy, water and waste), energy efficiency and the development of clean technologies. Human talent is an essential asset in the search for innovative solutions and in the implementation of long-term sustainability strategies.

In short, addressing the challenge of corporate sustainability and emissions reduction requires a combination of measures that include financial incentives, support for innovation, administrative simplification and human talent development. Only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach will we be able to achieve a more efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly model.

Related to the previous point, what are the services that are currently the focus of the cluster’s activity?

The services that currently focus the activity of the TEIB Cluster are closely linked to the strategic areas of action that we have identified as priorities to promote the transition to a more sustainable economic model in the Balearic Islands. These services cover a wide range of activities and projects aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration and the development of sustainable solutions in various sectors.

Firstly, we focus on facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among our members, providing meeting spaces where they can share experiences, best practices and opportunities for collaboration. This includes organizing events, working group meetings, workshops and roundtables where relevant topics for the ecological transition are addressed.

Another important service we offer is the promotion of collaboration in R&D&I projects in key areas such as renewable generation, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, circular economy and smart resource management. We promote the creation of consortiums and alliances between companies, research centers and universities to develop joint projects that drive innovation and the adoption of clean technologies.

In your opinion, and also from your technical perspective as director of business development in companies in the engineering and construction sector, what aspects do you consider decisive in the ecological transition of the Balearic Islands at the moment?

At present we see that in the Balearic Islands there is a strong commitment on the part of the public administrations to try to achieve very ambitious decarbonization objectives in a relatively short period of time. The challenge is that these objectives can only be achieved through the effective development of ecological transition projects that allow progress towards them.

At Estel Ingeniería y Obras, a Majorcan company with almost 30 years of experience and international scope, we are very focused on the development of this type of projects. In fact, we have our own brand called Estel Green that focuses on applying the most innovative technologies to improve environmental sustainability in all types of buildings and infrastructures.

In the green transition projects promoted by Estel Green for the Balearic Islands, we mainly encounter two problems: the lack of simplified processing mechanisms for greater agility in the necessary permits and the complexity of the public aid system.

If the Balearic Islands were able to solve these two problems, in addition to implementing the changes mentioned above in terms of greater incentives, the promotion of innovation and the retention of talent, it would be possible to carry out major projects that would enable the ambitious objectives of decarbonization to be achieved and also position the islands globally as a sustainable tourist destination.

Among the most immediate challenges of the organization, what would you say are the most relevant ones to be taken into consideration for the coming years?

The first objective of the grouping that we established was the entry of the association into the Register of Innovative Business Groupings. After gathering all the required critical mass and making a strategic approach to the development of the cluster in the next 4 years, we have recently been able to meet this first milestone. This allows its associates to have access to specific calls for grants to finance collaborative innovation projects in our sector.

In addition to the above, given the short history of our organization, as a cluster we must face several challenges, among which I would highlight in the short term: the consolidation and growth of the association, the realization of R+D+i projects between partners and increasing social awareness of the importance of the ecological transition in the Balearic Islands.

Interview with Álvaro Delgado, Vice Dean of the Official Notary Association of the Balearic Islands and owner of the Notary office: “Notaría Unión”

As Vice Dean of the Official Notary Association of the Balearic Islands, what are the challenges that Notary Offices face today, especially focusing on the specific economic and social aspects that exist in the Balearic Islands?

Notary Offices in the Balearic Islands currently face two types of challenges: one is organisational and the other is technological.

The organisational challenge consists in providing a suitable response to all our currently assigned functions (we now perform jobs that were formerly typical of Courts such as marriages, divorces and other voluntary jurisdiction cases) adapting our offices and staffs to fluctuating job situations, a flood of legislation as well as the rush and demands posed by today’s society. Nowadays, it is not easy to set up a Notary Office and properly train the personnel in the Notary field, since the level of specialisation has grown and there is a low supply on our islands.

We also face a major technological challenge. Two months ago, a genuine revolution took place in the Spanish Notary Office with the creation of the Electronic Protocol Act, and the introduction for the granting of some deeds and bank policies by means of video conference. This entails a major investment in resources and training, and it is also the starting point for a radical change in our profession, which for more than 500 years has exclusively relied on paper-based and physically present documents. The Notary protocol records on paper shall not disappear but the new electronic protocols shall facilitate remote granting and telematic access by individuals and companies to their documentation.

In the current context, after years of high inflation and rising lending rates, what is your opinion on the state of foreign investments in Mallorca and how does this affect the number of notarised deeds. Has Brexit had a major repercussion?

In 2023, we observed a significant decline in real estate investments in Mallorca. The rapid rise in interest rates (4 points in one year), the complex global geopolitical situation and the economic crisis in some countries that are important to us such as Germany have had a major impact on the investment figures and in the number of deeds. With regards to Brexit, there have not been significant changes in investments by British citizens, although this situation has complicated the bureaucracy of their acquisitions, especially on rural land, since they are no longer covered by European regulations that exempted them, for example, from obtaining military authorisation.

Based on your direct experience in the field, how do you think the new legislative changes in the inheritance tax will affect the processing of inheritance acceptances in the Balearic Islands?

The recent legislative changes in the Balearic Islands have caused a major increase in succession agreements (the so-called “living inheritances”, also called “lifetime inheritances”) because many parents want to take advantage of the currently favourable tax situation to advance the delivery of part of their assets to their descendants, foreseeing that future taxation may worsen due to political changes or a standardised intervention by the central Government.

Your professional relationship with the Law Firm, Buades Legal, dates back several decades. Tell us when the relationship began and how you have evolved over the years based on the types of issues in which you have collaborated and currently collaborate.

I have had a great personal and professional relationship with Joan Buades for more than 25 years (we worked together in the Board of Directors for RCD Mallorca) and I have worked closely with all the members of the law firm, especially those who manage the real estate matters and corporate business. The types of issues that we deal with is similar, but what has significantly changed is the legislation and the complexity of today’s documents. Several decades ago, the sale-purchase deeds consisted of 5 or 6 pages, but now they have more than 30 pages, and they have to comply with a lot of administrative formalities that did not formerly exist.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising all economic sectors and it seems that the areas related to law and legislation are no exception. What is your opinion about this new reality and how do you think it will affect the daily work in the Notary office?

Notary Offices are immersed in a technological revolution that will not be alien to AI, since in the future, it shall help us to draft documents and implement internal electronic protocol processes and our extensive collaboration with public administrations. In my opinion, AI undoubtedly provides major advantages and risks, which shall require adequate regulation of its use and its limits. However, just like the arrival of cell phones, computers, photocopiers and Internet, all technological innovations are always good; you just have to use them well.

Interview with Manuel Molina, Managing Director of Hosteltur

Recently, Hosteltur has been honoured with the prestigious Award: “Premio Onda Cero Mallorca” for their excellent professional career providing quality tourism information. How do you feel about this recognition and how do you assess it?

Any recognition of your work is fantastic, however the fact that the people who bestow this award are a leading reference in your sector makes it even better. The fact that Onda Cero, a benchmark mass media firm in terms of creditability and reputation, has distinguished us with their Communication Award is something that gives it even more added-value and makes us feel even prouder.

For those who are not familiar with Hosteltur’s work, give us a brief summary about how it began its journey and what they are focusing their efforts on at this time.

Hosteltur was founded in 1994 as a monthly magazine with regional distribution, exclusively in the Balearic Islands, and focused on the hotel sector. In a very short period of three years, we made a significant leap to national distribution serving the entire tourism sector, not only hotels: travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, etc.

In the following years, we expanded our range of mass media platforms with the appearance of Hosteltur Television and above all, www.hosteltur.com which has become the leading information and news website for entrepreneurs, executives and professionals in the tourism sector.

Since then until today, we have always maintained our commitment to the sector, either by means of informative media formats such as the ones mentioned above, or with other types of actions such as the Hosteltur Forum which has already celebrated 18 editions, as well as the Sustainable Tourism Agora that began last year, as well as online events.

The founding of SpainTravelNews in the UK and Germany is one step further in the field of our mass media initiatives, although it is also important to highlight the Hosteltur Academy, since it is an investment outside the information sector but it is based on our other core values: knowledge and training. We have an extensive team of more than 100 trainers in different sectors of the tourism industry with whom we collaborate with companies in this sector to educate and train their employees and managers at all levels.

It is often said that the value of a company can be measured by the professional and human quality of its team. Tell us a little about the Hosteltur family and the components that comprise it.

Hosteltur is, above all, a family business. Both in its founding 29 years ago as well as in its current concept. In 1994, my father together with my class mate, Carlos Hernández, current General Manager and myself, all developed the creation of Hosteltur. Subsequently, it was joined by my brother.

Today, the Hosteltur family is comprised by 25 members; the majority have long careers in the firm. There are persons who have been with our company for 10, 15, 20… and exactly 29 years. We have all grown, learned and suffered together… but it is also true that we have a very good time working together. Being together since we were young has been very beneficial for us.

Hosteltur and the law firm, Buades Legal have had a professional relationship for many years. Tell us about that time period and what the firm’s legal assistance mainly consists of.

Our initial phase was very modest and autonomous, so for many years we did not need a law firm. Our corporate growth caused this need for legal advice to arise shortly before 2000. At that time, we already had a personal relationship with Joan, a person who had always been very attentive to our family, hence the relationship arose naturally, which was also helped by the interest that Joan had always had in the mass media and communication sector. Little by little, we created a bond of trust that continues to this day in which we continue to work with his entire team, especially with Joan himself, along with Gabriel Buades, Luis Huerta and Daniel Olabarria, etc., where this trust also transcends the professional relationship, since they have always been very close and aware not only of our legal needs but also family issues.

The professional legal assistance from Buades Legal has covered typical company issues such as expert advice on signing agreements, contractual issues, international expansion, real estate consultancy and employment guidance, etc. But it is also true that the characteristics of our informative activity have motivated numerous queries and actions that have become more sophisticated as the mass media and communication sector have evolved towards the digital field. I would also like to highlight the accompaniment and guidance that the law firm has provided for our generational transition, which was invaluable not only because of Joan’s in-depth knowledge and experience in this field, but also due to the fact that Buades family had first-hand experience.

What are the new challenges that Hosteltur faces in the near future and what are the market, business or service strategies that you will implement to deal with a fast-changing ecosystem such as mass media, even more so within the tourism sector with its highly specific specialization.

This is the permanent challenge in our field: to be where our readers are. We have changed from being a monthly magazine which arrived at our reader’s office once a month, to being present in their telephone with the latest news in real time. And not only in their telephone, but also in their computer, tablet and social networks as well as in their Google searches… and all the above, in a non-invasive yet quick and dynamic way. This means that although the information database is very similar, the methods have not stopped evolving. Hence being there is our main challenge.

As a business model, another one of our primary challenges is to achieve this in a sustainable way, because the mass media communications sector has also evolved a lot in the area of information monetization. This is a development that we continuously observe with the closure of numerous leading news firms, some of them historical; we have witnessed this in the personnel lay-offs in many mass media companies… and all of this is happening when, as the entire world is aware, useful, truthful and reliable information is more important than ever. We need to trust what we read and this only occurs when the media platform that informs you is free, professional as well as economically sustainable. Hence in addition to maintaining and optimising our main media website: www.hosteltur.com, we also attempt to evolve by means of the initiatives mentioned above.

Interview with Mercedes Estarellas, gallery owner, curator, cultural manager, founder of Kaplan Projects and promoter of the 2022 Mallorca International Art Awards

The first Gala of the 2022 Mallorca International Art Awards has been celebrated, which was promoted, among others, by Kaplan Projects, your art gallery. What is your assessment?

The assessment couldn’t be more positive. The international team of MIAA worked hard to create this award during two years. The success of this work is due to the major participation by the artists, the support from major collectors and institutions as well as the creation of a contacts network, which will undoubtedly help the international projection of contemporary art from Mallorca.

How did the idea arise to launch these awards and what are the aspirations of this initiative?

The idea was inspired by a conversation with Paul Feldhof (entrepreneur and art collector) about the quality of the Island’s cultural sector, and art’s potential to create networks and community. We mutually agreed that it would be a good idea to create an award, specifically to create a community and introduce a foreign resident profile to Mallorca’s cultural life. With the collaboration of local and international agents, we set up a circular economy mechanism, which starts from the ultra-local level to reach the international community which then reverts back to the island.

It is a monetary award which recognises 2 artists, but it actually benefits everyone, since it not only exhibits the artworks by the winners but also features an exhibition of artists from Mallorca in Frankfurt, which will likewise be strongly supported by the same promoters.

By means of this award, year after year, a collection of artworks shall be created which reflects the main artistic movements of the 21st Century in Mallorca.

After a long career in the art world, how would you describe the experience of creating your own artistic space jointly with other professionals from the sector?

I have worked in the art world for over 20 years. All the projects that I have carried out have been organised as a gallery owner, curator or cultural manager and have been based on the intense work to build solid careers for artists, trying to make sure that every project connects and adds something to the previous one.

My last project, Kaplan Projects, was founded on the will to create an international artists network which would help us to communicate the ideas of the diverse artists who are developing interesting discourses and ideas. It is the result of many years of experience, which became a very solid artist representation project, which has allowed me to continue creating the cultural network, provide expert advice to large collections and encourage new collectors to discover this fascinating art world.

“La Nit de l’Art” (Art Night) has become an essential event attended by the islands’ most representative artists. Where do you think that this celebration is now and where do you believe it will be focused in the upcoming years?

“La Nit de l’Art” is an event that now exists in the collective memory of Mallorca’s society. It is a major event because it talks about Mallorca’s idiosyncrasy and more specifically, the value that we place on art here on the island. I think that as the event becomes more popular, the quality of what it offers will continue to grow. I believe the challenge consists in creating incentives for the intersection of artistic disciplines to foster a greater understanding of art in general by the spectators. Education and teaching are very important so that increasingly more people can enjoy visual culture as an experience that provides well-being to their lives.

How long have you known Buades Legal and what is the professional relationship that unites you?

Joan Buades has been one of the persons in Palma who, without belonging to the art world, has collaborated most to build the network of the island’s cultural industry. We met in early 2000, when I inaugurated my first project and he invested in artists that were difficult for the general public to understand.

He has always been closely related to art and as a patron; he has enjoyed witnessing the growth of the artists from the islands. He deeply believes in the quality of the local scene. The support that he has provided to risky projects in which few believed has made him a key person for the cultural growth on the island.

What are the challenges that faced by Kaplan Projects, your gallery devoted to art and cultural management?

The first challenge is to achieve a stable programme with top quality for the Kaplan spaces. The second goal is to celebrate the second edition of MIAA, as well as successfully conclude the cycle of the first edition with the exhibition of artists from Mallorca at the Tor space in Frankfurt.

Interview with Abdón Prats, RCD Mallorca player

Did you expect a season like this one, both personally and as a group?

If I had to imagine an ideal season on returning to the second division, it’d look like this. We know that a change of coach and way of working is usually complicated. The thing is, this group has been able to adapt perfectly to any change over the years, and I believe that this has been the foundation of its success.

Personally, last year wasn’t easy, and all you want to do is turn the situation around and be an important player. In the beginning, it was difficult, but then, seeing how the team was playing and how I was starting to feel, I noticed that I could contribute my qualities, and I’ve been able to start 11 games, and hopefully, I can play in many more of the remaining games, and we can achieve our goal. If we have the same work ethic as we’ve had up to now, we have a great deal of experience in these situations, and we can achieve something as big as promotion to the First Division.

Anyone with experience in this area says that the key to success in scenarios like this is to know how to deal with dips in performance that always come for every team, would you agree?

Yes, we adapt to any positive or negative situation, and I can say that in these last four years, defeats have made this team stronger. We’re on a high, and that’s huge. I remember that after the defeat against Sporting I spoke to one of our directors and I told him that I was calm because it wouldn’t hurt us, quite the opposite. We react very well when we take blows. But the important thing is not to suffer two defeats in a row and lose ground on your rivals.

What’s Abdón Prats like away from the pitch when football doesn’t dominate his life and isn’t a topic of conversation?

I’m very calm, relaxed. Personally, I like to connect with nature and sail. I disconnect from everything in the middle of the sea. I’m outgoing, and I like to take care of the people around me. But I also have a complicated personality; I can be a bit harsh or unfriendly in some situations. But you can’t always have a smile on your face and be friendly all the time. I realise that as the years go by, I care less about what other people think and things that used to affect you don’t anymore. With experience, both in sporting and personal terms, it’s surprising to see how your mind and your inner self-change, knowing how to handle different situations that could affect you in the day-to-day of competing. I have to go out onto the pitch to enjoy myself, and every game I put on the Mallorca shirt and add to my history with the club is something magical that I try to enjoy to the full. Training at Son Bibiloni and playing at Son Moix is something I’d always dreamed of and to be able to be established in your local team is the best thing that can happen to you.

The last few seasons have been a rollercoaster; what do you take away from these 3 years?

To be able to play and help the club you love and win promotion 2 times, and hopefully a 3rd, that’s what I take away. It’s magical to play for your childhood team when you used to be in the stands at the stadium and wonder if one day you could be on the pitch. To be able to make history here is unbeatable. Sure, everything has happened so quickly in recent years, so tightly packed in a short space of time, so much so that perhaps we don’t enjoy it as much as we should. To be down in Segunda B and get the fans to identify with the team again, with them bursting with emotion, to have that understanding with them and have a connection again, it’s been unique. It’ll go down in history, it’s amazing! Hopefully, in a few months, we’ll be able to say that we’ve achieved 3 promotions in 4 years, which is a real achievement, and it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. For a homegrown player from Mallorca like me, it’s a huge feat; I can die a happy man. We’re building a golden era for the club that will be one of the most important in the club’s history.

How do you feel when you relive the goal that won your promotion to the First Division against Deportivo La Coruña?

My grandparents came with me to my matches as a child. When we played away from home, they’d leave me on the pitch and for two hours while I played, they’d go for a walk around the town and then pick me up. On the day we won promotion, I told them that I wanted to have the memory of them being there and enjoy that day by my side as they’ve always been, being important people to me. And they came, and we were able to laugh and cry together with joy. I’m thrilled that we had that moment together and that we could give them some joy.

When I hear that goal played live on the radio, I get goosebumps. That Saint John’s Eve night was magical. I remember sitting on the bench before the warm-up and looking up at the half-reddened sky, the sun going down. The atmosphere was unbelievable and the fact that we suffered until the end spiced up the occasion. The cheering of the crowd and seeing everyone jumping up and down is something I’ll never forget and will always be etched on my heart.

Have you thought about what you’re going to do with your life when you hang up your boots?

I haven’t really thought about it yet. I think I’d like to be involved in football and hopefully, I’ll be lucky enough to work at Mallorca, to be able to help the young people. I really like to look at the qualities that the young ones can have, and it’d be a very satisfying thing for me to try to help a lot of players get into the first team, to achieve their dream without getting sidetracked.

Your father-in-law is none other than Héctor Cúper, a living legend of football in Mallorca. Do you often talk about football? Do you ask for his advice or opinion?

We all know what a great figure he is for all Mallorca fans, and when we get together, we talk about training, what we do, and he gives me advice. It’s incredible that we happen to be in each other’s lives and share things in life, him as an icon in the past and me making history these past few years, enjoying the club’s present. It’s funny to be sitting at the same table as him when before I only saw him in photographs in the stadium. I enjoy sharing many football-related experiences with him.

How do you envisage the end of the season going?

I won’t lie to you. We know that we have three really important weeks ahead of us, and if we can get as many points as possible, we’ll have direct promotion of 95% in the bag. I think it’ll be an end to the season in the same vein as we’ve had all year, that it’ll be a success to be able to celebrate something huge again, and that’ll make all Mallorca fans happy.

Interview with Eladio González, president of the Apothecary Cooperative of the Balearic Islands and FEDIFAR.

Pharmacists, practitioners of a profession that has provided an essential service throughout the pandemic, have suffered first-hand from the consequences of Covid-19, having been at the front line from the very first minute. What are the main problems they have faced during this time, and how have they been psychologically affected by dealing with patients and their families?

The work carried out by pharmaceutical professionals ever since the onset of the pandemic has been simply extraordinary. Pharmacies, backed by the vital support offered by pharmaceutical distribution companies, have ensured that everyone has had regular access to whatever medication and health products they needed, all while providing an outstanding health service. We mustn’t forget that we have been battling countless difficulties and extremely complicated circumstances throughout the pandemic, both on a professional and personal level. The pharmacy’s doors have remained open at all times, with the pharmacist often being the only health professional available to tend to people’s needs. It has been especially tough for us from a psychological viewpoint during these challenging times, given our close relationship with the general public and our close contact with people when dealing with their health problems. We’ve been faced with some very complicated situations that have taken their toll on us, as you can imagine.

The typical image of a pharmacist is that of someone helping the public. Have pharmacists seen their role grow over this last year as a result of people being more unsettled?

Without a doubt. Both pharmacists and pharmaceutical wholesalers have shown that they are fully committed to helping the public ever since the beginning of these very troubling times. Distributors have been guaranteeing the regular supply of medications and health products to pharmacies and working tirelessly to meet the increased demand for Covid-19 protective material, while pharmacists have been on the front line since the beginning of the pandemic, demonstrating a true vocation for public service and social commitment, ensuring that everyone has access to medication and health advice. A prime example of the supporting role that pharmacies have played during this health crisis – although it’s not necessarily the case in all communities – is the home service that they have provided, delivering medication from hospital pharmacies to patients’ doors to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. This is undoubtedly a service that has significantly been cherished by those who have used a pharmacy throughout the last few months. And that’s what matters most of all to us.

In addition to being a pharmacist and president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Distributors (FEDER), you also preside over the Apothecary Cooperative. What have been the main challenges faced by the Cooperative over the last year?

To maintain the high level of service that we have been providing until now. This is all thanks to the arduous work carried out by the Cooperative’s workers, employees and executives. I would also like to highlight the structural changes and heroic effort of the human team that often goes unnoticed. The greatest challenge for the Apothecary Cooperative will still be to continue being a loyal, committed and efficient ally to pharmacies, our members and the Balearic public as a whole. This means that we have to keep ensuring that it has fair, quality and safe access to medications through pharmacies. We will continue to reinforce our logistics to become more and more efficient, and we will keep on investing and innovating to provide the best service possible to pharmacies and citizens throughout the Balearics, which is our number one priority.

In your opinion, aside from mass vaccination, what measures are essential for bringing this pandemic to an end as quickly as possible?

Right now, the first step that we need to take in order to leave the pandemic behind as soon as possible is to achieve immunity through the mass vaccination of the islands’ residents. To do this, we need to gather enough vaccines as quickly as we can. Once this happens, we’ll need to analyse everything that has happened during the pandemic to take lessons from it and improve, allowing us to better tackle similar situations in the future. For example, I think that the health authorities need to be more aware of the enormous health potential of pharmacists and our pharmacy and distribution model, and they must be more willing to rely on them. We can go however far the administrations want us to.

Based on your relationship with pharmacists, what do you think the distribution of the different vaccines will be like in the Balearics, and what will the health situation be like next summer, the high season of economic activity on the islands?

Rather than make a prediction, which I think is rather foolish to do in such uncertain times, I’d like to talk about desire. I hope that the vaccination is distributed throughout the Balearics in a manner that is as quick and streamlined as possible so that the greatest number of citizens can be vaccinated as fast as possible. In this situation, speed equals lives. Ideally, a very high percentage of the islands’ population would be vaccinated before the start of the summer. Tourism is the main source of economy in the Balearic, and countless companies and jobs depend on it, which is why I hope this desire becomes a reality so that we can get back to normal by summer. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m sure that the health authorities are doing all they can to work towards this goal and they can rely on pharmaceutical professionals and distributors to help them achieve it.

What are Apothecary Cooperative’s intentions for 2021, and which new challenges have arisen?

We have started the year with the best intentions; we can’t have it any other way. We are faced with a significant period of uncertainty which obviously presents us with a considerable challenge, one that we hope to rise to as successfully as possible by throwing all we can at it. A large part of it will depend on the vaccination targets being met, and as a result, society returning to normal. That’s what we want so that 2021 ends up being as successful as possible for all.

Interview with Antoni Mercant, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca

Soon it will be a year since the Covid-19 pandemic began. What are the main problems that business people communicate to you, and how do you try to help them from the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca, for example, managing European funds?

The uncertainty is very distressing. No one can predict exactly when we will get back to normal. There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, but easing travel restrictions in March will not be the same as easing them in July or September. It is not just a question of dates, but also of regulations, of what we can do today but not tomorrow. The rules are constantly changing. No country in the world has found the perfect solution. This uncertainty makes it difficult for us to plan for the future with all that this entails economically. When will I be able to get my workers out of the ERTE program (Spain’s Temporary Downsizing Plan)? Will my income be enough to support me with so many restrictions? Will I be able to cover all the expenses I still have? When will we see tourists on our streets again?

Given this dire situation, the Chamber of Commerce is assisting business owners. We provide information and advice on existing public aid and continue to offer our free services in collaboration with the various administrations: processing the registration and de-registration of self-employed workers, business plans for women, online processing of export documents, direct aid for technological innovation, etc.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce recently created a website and a support unit called ‘Operation Transformation’ to gather information on all official calls for projects that can be financed with European funds. It will undoubtedly be an excellent tool for providing advice on the regulatory framework, legislative changes, and procedures applicable to various financing programs.

Because of its public-private nature, I am convinced that the chamber of commerce system will play a key role in the recovery and rebuilding process of our economy that the Next Generation Fund will bring about.

Mallorca’s economy is unquestionably dependent on tourism. What is your organization’s forecast for the coming summer season?

The next few months will be key in determining what kind of summer we will have. First of all, we must get the pandemic under control: we need a swift, rapid vaccination process. And, obviously, restrictions on travel and social contact must be safely lifted. This applies not only in Spain but also in our main source markets. Secondly, we must regain people’s confidence as a safe destination. There is no way we can afford to lose another summer.

In your opinion, do you think that this health crisis will change the islands’ economic model to a greater or lesser extent? Where do you think the future direction of our local economy is headed?

You cannot change the model overnight. But we must take advantage of the situation to improve it. Over the last five decades, the boom of a labor-intensive tourism sector has been a magnet for immigration, doubling the population. Add to this the 15 million tourists who, on average, are concentrated into a three-month period; this pressure overloads the region and leads to social and environmental imbalances.

Given this context, the Chamber of Commerce is committed to economic growth where tourism will undoubtedly continue to be our main economic driver, but which protects our natural resources and improves our citizens’ quality of life. It is difficult to get back the business that we have lost in recent years. But we must fight to restore our agri-food industry and make way for green and blue economies, as well as investing heavily in tech.

From your experience as head of the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca, have you noticed any new burgeoning sectors of business activity on the island that could provide a boost to our GDP in the short or medium-term?

The yachting industry could be this ideal complement to generate income. We have the best repair and tuning companies in the Mediterranean. This year the Chamber of Commerce has successfully organized the first virtual fair for the Balearic yachting sector, the Balearic Yacht Show, and our goal is to make it a global benchmark. We are already working on the Balearic Marine website to ensure the continuity for the fair and gather all the information related to this industry 365 days a year to be a meeting point between supply and demand and also be a powerful platform for promoting the industry.

In addition to the pandemic’s effects on the islands, there are also Brexit-related repercussions. Can you give us a brief overview of what the major consequences of the UK leaving the EU are on Mallorca?

It is too early to analyze the initial consequences. We haven’t even been treating the United Kingdom as a “third country” for 30 days yet. The agreement entails a transition to the new trade relations that are gradually being implemented. For example, concerning exports of agri-foodstuffs, it was decided which products would be subject to customs control in January and which would not be until March to avoid bottlenecks.

On the other hand, it is obvious that Covid-19 prevents us from seeing the real effects: exports and imports of products are reduced to a minimum and no tourists are coming to our area. We will feel the impact of Brexit in the longer term…I don’t know if it will be this summer or in 2022. We will see how British citizens react to these new rules of the game: Will they sell their vacation homes? Will they stop investing in Mallorca? Will the new customs procedures make our products much more expensive or will we remain competitive for the British market? Will British flagged vessels go with our repair companies?

What goals and new challenges is the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca facing in 2021?

We have several significant challenges in 2021 that I am convinced will be successfully met. Here are just a few examples, so as not to go on too long: we want to be a benchmark in managing Next Generation Funds; we are working on launching a Digital Transformation Office in March; we have already established this year’s Dona Impuls call for proposals, through which we are providing free business plans for projects led by women in collaboration with IBDona; we want to consolidate the digital platform for export procedures launched this month, and I do not doubt that we will increase the number of beneficiaries of free Youth Guarantee training with the virtual campus that we have just inaugurated.