The year ends with a bang. Mallorca is supposed to be turned into a theme park. And not just any theme park, actually. In a press conference the Balearic government announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with a leading US company to create what they call Mallorca World.
The new brand Island World should be a trademark for sustainable theme parks, according to the press release. Visitors won’t be limited to artificial fun fair rides but enjoy natural adventures.
Mallorca on a Par with Paris and Florida
Hiking down the Torrent de Pareis, rock climbing at Castell de Alaró, or canyoning at Salt des Freu, the officials rave over the „endless opportunities“. And the president of the Balearic Islands stated that she is „proud to position Mallorca in the same ranks with Paris and Florida“.
The sustainability concept of Mallorca World comprises ecological, social and economical dimensions, she explained. The people of Mallorca will be „an essential part of this authentic world“. And they shall profit by the expected economic growth. Already, two American airlines were about to announce daily flights from their hubs in the US, she suggested.
Sellout of Mallorca?
An entrance fee will replace today’s tourist tax and should cover „a great deal of the experiences“. But as in other theme parks, many offerings bear an extra fee. And the political opposition warns against a „sellout of Mallorca“.
Mallorcans who don’t want to participate in the enterprise will be offered „attractive alternatives“, the president wants us to believe. They can choose between leaving Mallorca for the island of Formentera or moving to the Parc Natural de Llevant.
Native Mallorcan Reservation
In this secluded Wild East a Native Mallorcan Reservation will be established. Including self administration „to a certain degree“ and an exclusive gambling license to open and operate two casinos.
Thus the Balearic president sharply rejected the accusations of the critics. „The creation of Mallorca World isn’t a sellout but the rescue of the island“, she claimed in her closing remarks at the press conference on December, 28 in Palma. 
