Clubs in a popular Spanish holiday destination frequented by British tourists are reducing their operating hours due to a decrease in visitors. A hospitality industry leader in Majorca has cautioned that businesses such as bars, restaurants, and clubs on the sunny island will experience lower revenues compared to previous years as both tourists and locals are spending less.
Despite a bustling influx of holidaymakers on the Balearic Islands, there has been a noticeable decline in club attendance, as highlighted by Miguel Pérez-Marsá, the president of the ABONE nightlife association. He expressed concerns over the projected decrease in footfall and revenue for the upcoming season.
To attract customers, clubs are striving to maintain affordable prices to prevent deterring visitors during a summer anticipated to have increased flight and lodging costs. However, to control expenses, businesses are cutting back on opening hours by focusing on weekends and reducing operational time during weekdays to minimize staffing expenditures.
The peak season for these establishments has been condensed to run from June 20 to August 20. Worries about Majorca’s nightlife have been mounting since the period of COVID-19 lockdowns. Issues regarding deserted beaches and calls for government intervention to address housing challenges and tourist congestion have further fueled concerns among bar owners.
Tourism plays a significant role in generating revenue for the islands, accounting for 45% of their income. Despite ongoing worries regarding tourist spending, visitor numbers to the Balearic Islands have been on the rise. Last year, nearly 11 million individuals vacationed in the archipelago comprising Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, indicating a slight increase compared to the previous year.
Of notable concern is the decline in German tourists visiting the island chain. The drop in German visitors last summer, particularly in July, was substantial, reflecting a decrease of over 8%. Traditionally, Germans constitute the largest group of holidaymakers in Majorca, and the anti-tourism protests have been attributed to the decline by industry experts.
Pedro Oliver, the chairperson of the Balearic Tourist Guides Association, mentioned that the anti-tourism demonstrations have influenced tourists’ perceptions and queries about the island’s receptivity to vacationers. While some attribute the decline in German visitors to the protests, others like Alvaro Blanco from Spain’s Tourism Office in Berlin suggest that changing weather patterns, possibly due to global warming, may also be a contributing factor.
