Last season was a good one because tens of thousands of Britons had Covid chips to cash in from holidays postponed by the pandemic. | EMILIO QUEIROLO
The Socialist coalition government has left the building and perhaps the electorate asked itself one simple question: Is my life better than it was eight years ago when they came to power? Judging by the election result, no. The cost of living has shot up while wages have failed to keep up the pace, especially in the private sector, and governing by fear is never the best approach to take. People soon see through it and get fed up with being told what they can and cannot do. And this approach also has a knock-on effect. This year, British visitors are staying away from Magalluf because “it’s boring”, thanks to all the Law of Excesses introduced with the support of the British Foreign Office.
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Funny, the British tourists who are currently in Magaluf and commenting on TripAdvisor seem to think it's every bit as wild and crazy as ever. And heaving. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g580303-i10100-k14041667-Your_Magaluf_experience_so_far_this_season-Magaluf_Calvia_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html#replies
Richard PearsonWell Richard,, We’ve been visiting those regions of the island since 92. Started at the Villamil during the THF days. Then Hesperia well .. it changed . Since then, the last 22years we’ve enjoyed the fabulous hospitality of the Gayá Peña familia. And met the latest member of the family all 7 months of her last week.. that makes the fourth generation. The Brits tend to be independent travellers in these areas as the U.K. travel companies although present in those towns don’t promote the way they do in traditional U.K. destinations. They’re not bargain basement but not overly expensive either. Just good quality and value. Ill get over ABELs but it was a landmark. But truly miss the Villa Italia and chatted to a couple of Brits and Germans also looking at the old place who were regulars there and have similar feelings. As for visiting the island in spring and autumn , well why not.
David, I think you are right. Most, if not all of the places you mention are in the upper regions of the price range, and generally more favoured by our German cousins rather than, according to some, the penniless, uncivilised and drunken Brits. I tend to be more of the, during the summer months, pile them high and sell them cheap attitude as far as coastal tourism is concerned, but many, probably with good judgement, disagree. We shall see. I hopefully presume that you will return, Abels or no Abels. Mazel tov
I don’t think it just Magaluf. Times change as do tastes and trends. Just returned from the Island . Had a couple of lovely days in Soller which was really busy during the day. Lots of Brit and USA voices. A day in the port Soller not as busy as previous years past. Then down to port andriax , Calafornells for five days . Andraix quite for this time of year maybe. Got a table at the concierge no problem. Walked up and gazed sadly at what the Villa Italia has become. A couple of beers at the central bar to cheer me up. Calafornels as ever perfect. and a wander through paguera , Ok the Mary pins is being demolished. The area around the Villamil looks very shabby as does the high street.. The cafe next to the hapimag resort closed. Then shock horror ABELS is locked up. Maybe it’s the traditional resorts that are falling out of favour.
Many of my friends and acquaintances who run businesses such as the ones you mention, in other words live in the real world, are of the same opinion. Actually downright worried. Many are hanging on by the skin of their teeth as a lot of the profits generated, if any, are being used to pay off loans accumulated during the Pandemic. But hey, what should they know about this sort of thing ? They are only small traders trying to keep the general public happy. The real financial experts know better.