Balearic tourism industry concern because of US tariffs lies predominantly with any negative economic impact on the main European markets and therefore how this might affect consumers. Concern about the US tourism market itself seems to stem mainly from any possible anti-US sentiment.
There is uncertainty, as Antonio De Toro, Country Sales Manager in Spain for United Airlines, admits. "Everything is very variable with Trump. We have no idea what the situation will be like in two months. At the moment, we are not taking any measures based on possible disruptions in demand as, quite simply, we are not noticing any change in trend."
United are increasing frequencies and seats on their Palma-New York connection this summer. Bookings for flights and holiday packages from the US to the Balearics have been performing well, the expectation being of a new record number of American tourists. There were 279,205 for the whole of the Balearics last year, a 1.2% increase. Menorca and Ibiza/Formentera were responsible for this increase, as US tourism in Mallorca fell by over seven per cent. There still is this expectation but the forecasts are now less certain.
The president of the Aviba travel agencies association, Pedro Fiol, says it's not as if there is alarm but that there is a worry about the potential impact on US tourism. While the US isn't in the top ten of tourism supplier countries in the Balearics, it is in terms of tourist spending - sixth in fact.
Speaking in Mallorca a few days ago, Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, said: "For now, and according to the data we have, it seems that tourism is somewhat on the sidelines of the debates on tariff policy." But he accepted that there is some concern.
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ChrisIsn't the point of the article about a potential slow down in US visitors? Also it would seem US visitors would be an important part of solving the problem as fewer overall tourists but an increase in spending per tourist would reduce congestion on the island while also mitigating any financial damage to the local economy.
...another day, another story about increasing numbers of tourists. This spring we've had multiple stories about more flight capacity, more hotels opening and record bookings. At a time when the local government were supposed to be redefining the tourism model and capping / reducing total numbers. This feels like a runaway train that even the local government can't or won't slow down. This is not going to end well. Somebody in local or federal government needs to quickly form a clear vision and then implement it with urgency and conviction.
When EU border control starts confiscating phones and sending tourists to detention centers for not saying nice things about Europe, then I think we'll have to worry. Until then, I suspect many Americans will be eager to leave the United Snakes, if only briefly instead of permanently.