Popular holiday spot's tourism fears as Brits shun island amid local protests
The Balearic island is a popular choice among European tourists. Last year alone, an impressive 13.4 million visitors descended on Majorca, including over two million Brits.
The island's breathtaking landscapes - from golden beaches to majestic mountains - and lively nightlife are major draws. However, a series of protests have recently shaken this idyllic destination, with tens of thousands of locals taking to the streets to voice their discontent over overtourism.
Tourists are increasingly finding themselves targeted by activists intent on generating negative publicity for the island to deter visitors. This rising hostility towards tourists seems to be having an impact, with visitor numbers falling in certain areas of the island.
The resort areas most affected are Capdepera and Soller, according to the Majorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM), as reported by the Express.
The worrying situation appears to be particularly problematic in the British market, which is showing signs of slow growth, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
"While we don't have official statistics yet, information from our various associations indicates that Capdepera, which heavily relies on German tourism, and Soller are experiencing the most significant drops in visitor numbers," said María José Aguiló - the vice-president of FEHM.
Pubs, cafés and eateries have all felt the impact of this peculiar mid-season slump, with outdoor seating areas sitting half-vacant. Some proprietors have reportedly even permitted employees to take time off during what would typically be amongst the peak trading weeks of the year.
"We're seeing two distinct booking patterns emerge: advance reservations and last-minute bookings, making precise forecasting particularly challenging," explained Aguiló.
FEHM's figures show that hotel occupancy levels have fallen short of projections since May, sparking concerns about what lies ahead. Nevertheless, the organisation maintains an optimistic outlook, stating it anticipates this season will match last year's performance.
During the previous year, 18.7 million holidaymakers flocked to the Balearics, splashing out a staggering €22.38 billion - representing a 12% rise. German visitors continue to be the most valuable economic demographic across the Balearic Islands. They parted with €6 billion whilst holidaying in Majorca - outspending every other nation. British travellers came second, contributing €4.38 billion.
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