Britons and other vacationers are sensing a growing lack of hospitality on the cherished Spanish islands, leading to repercussions for businesses heavily reliant on tourism. Mallorca’s dining establishments and nightlife spots are preparing for a potentially challenging summer, reminiscent of the previous year.
Anticipating a decline in tourist expenditures in 2025 similar to the previous year’s downturn, eateries faced a 20% revenue drop in 2024, citing increased costs for accommodations, air travel, and opposition to tourism from locals. With 2025 showing signs of a repeat scenario, business proprietors confront difficult decisions to remain financially viable. Juanmi Ferrer, the head of Mallorca’s CAEB Restaurants Association, observes that although there is a desire for travel, individuals are not as financially equipped. Restaurants are striving to maintain stable prices this season to encourage spending or at least not deter it.
March 2025 was not predicted to be bustling in Mallorca, falling short of expectations. For example, Alcudia and Playa de Muro experienced a 50% decrease in revenues compared to March 2024, as reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
It is important to note that the timing of Easter last year likely impacted holiday scheduling. Ferrer also attributed poor weather as a contributing factor, stating, “March was unfavorable: inclement weather and low foot traffic. Easter lasts four days. If one day is rainy, it effectively shortens to three.”
Nightlife establishments are considering a more condensed season after last year’s unsuccessful attempt to prolong it. Miguel Pérez-Marsá, the chief of the ABONE nightlife association, has outlined a “realistic” calendar for 2025 from May 15 to mid-September. “We will adjust to reality. Last year, we attempted to extend the season and realized its limitations,” he acknowledged.
Unlike hotels, restaurants and bars struggle to prepare for tourist influxes. Pérez-Marsá emphasized the challenges of early planning for eateries and clubs, contrasting them with the long-term predictability available to hotels.
Despite a surge in tourists last year, many dining establishments in Mallorca had to close prematurely or reduce their offerings. Ferrer expressed frustration over the unexplained pattern of no-shows, particularly on weekends, remarking, “The absenteeism on Fridays and Mondays, for example, is perplexing and suspicious, extending the weekend. While not reflected in official statistics, this absenteeism impacts us all.”
He added, “Imagine having a team of four people, and one informs you the night before that they won’t be coming in. Sometimes, we can’t even open the kitchen, or we have to close early.”
In a separate incident, a British resident in Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca shared tips on how tourists can enjoy free drinks in the popular resort town. Harry Poulton, with a significant following on TikTok, provides advice on maximizing experiences in Benidorm without spending money, attracting a large viewership for his videos.