Majorca has seen a huge decrease in number of German tourists visiting the island. The fall in German holidaymakers visiting the popular destination had been confirmed by a downward trend that had started in May. It came after a prolonged period of growth, but come May the trend reversed and dropped, and in July, Majorca saw a fall of more than 8%.
However, the decline in German tourists is not as a result of the protests and anti-tourism campaigns as many might believe, but instead the Germany economy.
Alvaro Blanco, director of Turespana’s bureu in Berlin, has said that “the economic situation in Germany isn’t helping”, in reference to a fall in German GDP, increasing level of unemployment and a rise in prices for products and services across the country.
He added that all of these factors are impacting foreign holiday destinations as well as Germany as a destination, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin.
When it comes to German tourism across the Balearics, 90% of it is in Majorca. However, with Majorca’s increased prices and the economic conditions in Germany, it has led to holidaymakers seeking alternative holidays that are more affordable.
Carlos Cendra, marketing and communications director for Mabrian, a tourism data consultancy, said: “The German consumer climate is, in general, less optimistic, and this reduces spending intentions.
“The German tourist market is very sensitive to price fluctuations, and when the consumer climate is less encouraging, this sensitivity is great.”
Marbian provides information to the Baleric Goverment and island councils. The company compared tourism data to Antayla and the Turkish Riviera and found that flight capacity for Antalya had increased 8% this summer.
It also found that in July and August the average hotel stay cost €92 per night, whilst in the Balearics it was €292.
Wolfgang Engstler, German consul in Majorca, said: “German tourists are having to pay more attention to their budgets and can no longer spend so much money on holiday. Given that flights and hotels in Majorca have risen significantly in price, there is generally less money left for other purposes.”
While the protests across Spain have been covered by German media, Mr Engstler doesn’t believe this is the driving factor in the fall in tourist numbers.
He added: “For families, the evolution of prices, coupled with lower budgets, are the decisive factors.”