Restaurant businesses in Majorca have noticed a sharp decline in takings for June, sparking fears that travellers are staying away due to ongoing protests against mass tourism.
Spain has been convulsed by a series of anti-tourist protests, sending shock waves through both the political establishment and business communities.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in some of Spain’s most popular resorts to vent their anger at the ever growing number of foreign visitors.
The Balearic Islands have not been spared the public’s wrath, as activists and local residents demand change to the current economic model.
Pedro Fiol, president of the Aviba travel association, admitted that fewer tourists are now coming to Majorca and pointed the finger of blame squarely at Palma’s President Marga Prohens.
In May she said the Balearics had “reached their limit” and vowed to take steps to transform the islands’ tourism model.
Restauranteurs have been one of the first to notice the drop off in clients, particularly in the major resorts.
Alfonso Robledo, president of Majorca’s CAEB restaurant association, said business owners were really worried by the turn of events.
“Before there was no difference between Mondays and Saturdays,” he said.
“We were always full because people who are on holiday don’t take into account whether it is a working day or a public holiday.
“This year, however, customers are leaving their dinners or lunches for the weekends.”
He addded: “We are missing the tourists with a medium-high purchasing power who used to visit the island before the massive arrival of travellers in July and August.”
The protests appear to be having a major impact on British holidaymakers, causing many to think twice about travelling to Spain for their holidays this year.
A survey carried out by Majorca’s Daily Bulletin newspaper found that 44 percent of Brits were planning to travel elsewhere this summer.
ABTA has warned British travel agents to take the protests seriously, while a UK travel expert said businesses will have to adapt to the changing realities.
Ben Lynam said: “Destinations have limits and tourism is only welcome when it respects these and the communities.
“Businesses will increasingly need to accept limits as not just necessary but desirable.”