Approximately 100 hotels and apartment complexes in the Balearics are considering a novel idea of converting part of their establishment into a ‘condohotel’ whereby proprietors would sell some of their rooms or apartments to private individuals, but would also rent the same premises to holidaymakers when the owner was not in residence. A new law would have to be ratified as hotels and complexes are licensed as either ‘touristic’ or ‘residential’ and dual usage is not included under the current law. Representatives of establishments in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera have shown interest in the system, as it would provide them with much needed capital to refurbish or modernize their properties.
Initially the two unions CCOO and UGT were quite reticent, as they foresaw the loss of jobs for their members, but supporters claim the opposite would be the case, as many of the complexes would stay open all year round and not during the summer season, providing employment for more people and longer contracts. A draft of the new legislation will be drawn up shortly and, once agreed, should become law during 2012.