Clubs in a popular Spanish vacation destination frequented by British tourists are reducing their operating hours due to a decrease in attendance. A hospitality executive in Majorca has expressed concerns about lower revenues in bars, restaurants, and clubs on the sunny island compared to previous years, as both tourists and locals are spending less.
Despite the bustling streets of the Balearic Islands filled with holidaymakers, club visits have declined, according to Miguel Pérez-Marsá, the president of the ABONE nightlife association. He mentioned to the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the outlook for the year indicates reduced attendance and revenue, following a slow year.
In an effort to attract customers amid higher summer travel and accommodation costs, clubs are maintaining competitive prices, but they are also implementing shortened opening hours to control operational expenses. Businesses are concentrating on weekends, scaling back weekday operations to minimize staffing costs, with the peak season limited from June 20 to August 20.
Concerns about Majorca’s nightlife have been growing since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Images of deserted sunbeds on the beaches and empty tables went viral, coinciding with protests in Palma demanding immediate government action on housing and tourism issues. Bar owners fear that the demands of anti-tourism protesters have been met.
Tourism, which contributes 45% to the islands’ income, remains a significant driver of the economy. Visitor numbers to the Balearic Islands have been steadily increasing, with nearly 11 million people visiting the archipelago comprising Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera by July of the previous year, despite ongoing concerns about tourist spending.
Of particular worry is the decline in German visitors to the islands, with a substantial drop recorded last summer compared to the previous year, particularly in July. Traditionally the largest group of holidaymakers in Majorca, Germans have decreased in numbers, which some attribute to anti-tourism sentiments.
Pedro Oliver, chairperson of the Balearic Tourist Guides Association, suggested that the anti-tourism protests have influenced tourists’ perceptions, with many questioning if the island is still welcoming to vacationers. Meanwhile, Alvaro Blanco from Spain’s Tourism Office in Berlin argued that the weather, rather than protests, might be a factor, indicating that Mediterranean destinations are perceived as too hot during peak summer months due to global warming.
