Majorca has seen a 20% fall in bar and restaurant bookings this year – despite the whopping 17.8 million tourists who descended on the island in 2023, spurring angry locals to take to the streets in protest.
The demonstrations, alongside a rise in hotel rates and a “Big Brother” style registration scheme, could all play a part in the nosedive, and be encouraging holidaying Brits to travel further afield and prioritise alternative sunny destinations.
New research from Trtl Travel reveals that the island has dropped down the list of holiday spots searched by people in the UK, falling behind Cyprus, Ibiza and Nice in France.
It spells worrying news for Majorca’s trading prospects heading into 2025, with further data from the ABTA travel association suggesting that 34% of Brits are considering longer-haul trips outside Europe – an increase of 5% year-on-year.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said the travel industry was remaining strong in the face of challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
He also said the appetite for travel looks set to continue into next year, with 64% of people planning to take a trip overseas.
Graeme Buck, director of communications at the association, added that many of those travelling abroad in 2025 were “looking for new experiences” rather than returning to tried-and-tested holiday spots.
Economic pressure could be disproportionately impacting Majorica’s tourist trade.
However, some UK visitors may be choosing to get their money’s worth at all-inclusive resorts rather than venturing into the wider island – putting a strain on the thousands of locals employed in the island’s hospitality sector.
Majorca has long been considered a good choice for a budget trip abroad, but it suffered another hit on this count over the summer when it dropped substantially in the rankings of top money-saving destinations for British travellers.
A study suggested that the average cost of tourist items including meals and drinks in Majorca had risen to £98.52, compared to just £51.18 in longer-haul countries like Vietnam, which benefit from a stronger pound.
Prorestors who took over parts of the Balearic Islands this year drew attention to the issue of locals being priced out of the property market by second home owners and Airbnbs.
Majorcans who took to the streets of the archipelago held signs bearing slogans such as “Tourism, yes. But not like this”, suggesting an acknowledgement of the vital role played by holidaymakers in the local economy – but calling for reevaulation of the industry’s impact on year-round residents.
