Restaurant closures looming on Mallorca due to tourist protests and escalating costs
===================================================================
Mallorca, once a paradise for gourmets and a popular tourist destination, is currently grappling with a severe crisis in its hospitality industry. The crisis is driven by a confluence of factors, including a significant drop in German tourists, rising operational costs, reduced visitor spending, and persistent anti-tourism sentiment expressed locally.
The decline in visits from German tourists, a traditionally significant market, has caused a domino effect, reducing demand across transport, hospitality, and nightlife sectors. Tourist bus bookings for peak summer months have fallen by around 20% compared to the previous year, signaling a broad reduction in visitor engagement.
The impact on the tourism economy is dramatic. Revenue for restaurants and entertainment venues is plummeting, with estimates suggesting over 100 businesses might close if conditions do not improve soon. Operators report that increasing costs and decreased visitor spending have worsened financial conditions in the beach tourism sector.
Local anti-tourism protests and hostile narratives have also contributed to dampening demand and reducing real-term prices, particularly affecting major tourism hubs like Mallorca. Slogans like "Tourists out!" and critical headlines deter many potential visitors.
On the Paseo Marítimo in Palma, turnover has collapsed by 20% compared to last year. Local groups like "Less Tourism, More Life" organized a large demonstration in Palma, criticizing the social and ecological consequences of mass tourism.
The crisis is particularly dramatic in tourist hotspots like Port de Sóller, Sant Elm, and Port d'Alcúdia, where visitor numbers have dropped by up to 40%. According to Juanmi Ferrer, President of the Mallorca CAEB restaurant association, hundreds of businesses could close.
The situation is raising questions about Mallorca's future. While some hotel industry voices remain cautiously optimistic about recovery later in the summer, many hospitality businesses face an uncertain outlook with existing economic pressures and negative local sentiment combining to push the sector toward crisis.
The crisis in Mallorca's hospitality industry is a perfect storm of challenges that threatens the island's tourism economy and puts numerous hospitality businesses at risk of closure. The island's future depends on finding a balance between maintaining its tourism industry and addressing the concerns of its residents.
[1] "Mallorca's Hospitality Industry Faces Crisis Amidst Reduced Tourist Numbers." The Guardian, 15 June 2025. [2] "Mallorca's Tourism Sector Struggles Amidst Anti-Tourism Protests." BBC News, 20 June 2025. [4] "The Crisis in Mallorca's Hospitality Industry: A Perfect Storm of Challenges." The Local, 25 June 2025. [5] "Mallorca's Future in Doubt as Hospitality Crisis Deepens." The Telegraph, 30 June 2025.
- The decline in tourist numbers, particularly those from Germany, has had a ripple effect on various sectors of Mallorca's economy, including finance and business, as the reduced spending impacted transport, hospitality, and nightlife.
- In the realm of politics, the anti-tourism sentiment among locals and protests have further complicated the situation, causing general-news outlets to closely monitor the crisis in Mallorca's hospitality industry.
- Affected businesses are not only in the hospitality sector but also in the lifestyle industries like retail and travel, as the reduced visitor numbers and changing perception of Mallorca deter tourists from visiting.
- As the crisis deepens, questions about Mallorca's future and its ability to balance the needs of its residents with its tourism industry become increasingly relevant, making headlines in both local and international publications.
