Holidaymakers heading to Majorca this summer may encounter changes in how they pay for food and drink. A number of bars and restaurants are considering the introduction of self-payment systems, which could mean fewer payment options for tourists.
In an interview with Majorca Daily Bulletin, Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, suggested that such changes might be the only way for some establishments to keep the lights on. “It is the only solution to be able to stay open”, he stated, emphasising the need to balance staff numbers and profitability, particularly during off-peak periods.
Juanmi said that numerous bars and restaurants are moving to self-payment systems such as the option to pay via a QR code. Amid the Covid-19 crisis, many establishments had already adopted QR-based ordering, and increasingly these places are also offering the option to pay using your smartphone.
Some dining places may also begin offering the option to pay at the counter, similar to the practice in many Italian restaurants. Customers would place their orders and settle the bill upon arrival before being seated, reducing the amount of waiting staff that are needed on the floor.
The changes to these methods could potentially limit payment options for visitors to Majorca, as it could lead to more cashless bars and restaurants. Tourists are advised to check whether paying using their debit or credit card will incur fees when they’re abroad.
Anselmo Cardona, the manager of Can Joan de s’Aigo cafe in Palma, reportedly said: “In the hospitality industry, human warmth will always be necessary.”, but also admitted that: “automation is unstoppable”.
He believes that tech-based changes in ordering and paying will mostly influence casual dining spots, while high-end bars and restaurants are likely to maintain classic service models.
The island will be busy in 2025, we reported today. The warning on payments comes after it emerged up to 541 cruise liners carrying nearly two million people were expected to arrive on Majorca this year.
A new forecast for this year forecasts an influx of tourists will come to the island on cruise ships via Palma – the island’s main port city.
Around 50 vessels are expected to flock to the sunny island in 2025, according to a forecast by the Balearic Port Authority’s forecast.
Local campaigners at The Platform against Mega-Cruise Ships have raised concerns it will “touristify” the city centre. They said cruise ship tourism is “often falsely associated with the image of a prosperous economic sector and engine of growth, hides a hidden face that cannot be ignored”.
