ABSTRACT
In 1950, Spain was one of the poorest, least developed countries in Europe. During the following ten years it changed from a predominately rural, agrarian society to an urban, industrial nation. Tourism was a new industry and seemed a relatively straightforward means of acquiring large amounts of foreign capital to help the government rebuild the country. The introduction of tourism and the development which followed allowed various areas of the country to ‘modernise’ more quickly than others. Mallorca was one of the first to develop the infrastructure to accommodate tourism ‘de masas’ (large groups). Although mainly rejected by Mallorquin intellectuals-anchored in a vision of rurality-it was promoted by those who saw the economic potential of building hotels and providing services for tourists. Development then meant acquisition of raw materials, energy sources, technology, communications, transport, construction and employment. Projects were directed by appointed leaders who shared Franco’s politics and were carried out through patron/ client type relationships. With political and ideological repression and depoliticisation, there was little overt opposition to the governments’ actions.
