"Mallorca’s tourist industry learns harsh lessons from a lacklustre 2023 summer"

James TIt's odd isn't it? Despite no evidence of any "lackluster season", they just keep doubling down on the rhetoric. As if nobody notices. And yes, there's definitely a trend toward better accommodation, food, drink, service and atmosphere. Ignoring that is at one's own peril. Being left behind is not something you want to realise long after you're no longer able to catch up. But perhaps that's what's behind the rhetoric (?). Just now rudely waking up to something that you should have seen coming all along? Just look ... other cheap "yesterday" tourist places appear to be struggling too. And surely that represents a "lacklustre season". For them, anyway. Or maybe they just don't know the difference. Or the nature of the clientele. Anecdotally, ever notice that out of the seemingly endless parade of celebrities visiting the island, not one of them ever visits Magaluf or any other "resort"? Wake up. It's an opportunity, not a barrier.

It's almost impossible to get a 'walk in' table at a good Palmanova/Magaluf restaurant... My wife works in a local cafe bar and they are run of their feet... The lower quality pubs are quiet, but that's a good thing! Are Turkey and Greece cheaper? Probably, but now you're comparing apples and bananas!

SteffiHmm... well, it does appear that British resorts may be struggling. Agreed, those prices seem pretty dear (if true). Like airport prices. But resorts are always significantly more expensive than everywhere else. I don't eat in British resorts nor at the airport, so naturally I too find that surprising. Outside the resorts, nobody would pay that, except perhaps in a highly rated 5* establishment, where the quality you receive for that price is outstanding. I'd wager there was nothing special about any of the food and drink you paid so dearly for, except maybe for the seafront view. There's a lot of that going around in the resorts (but not always). I reckon that may help explain why the popularity of non-resort accommodation is growing so rapidly and booked year-round. Better quality everything, more space, more privacy, no irritating chavs, low crime... Unfortunately, that's not very British, so it's not likely something most Brits would consider. Anyway, sorry to hear that. Enjoy wherever British resort you end up "fleeing" to! And good luck with finding more for less there.

SteffiYes, crazy prices, still I can buy a bottle of local quality gin for €15 (or Aldi for €5), tonic for ¢29 a can (lemons off the tree) and steak burgers from the local butcher for €11/kg and enjoy them with a sea view from my terrace, so tourist traps are exactly that, traps for TOURISTS!

Richard PearsonSo why are you still here?

I do find All the different reports very difficult to understand or believe. One day a boom year and too many tourists the island cannot cope - 5 hour queues on road to airport and airport announcing passenger numbers 29% up on 2022 in July and now it’s not a boom year - how can it be so ? However I see with my own eyes, Pollenca yesterday was empty for August - Cappuccinos had 2 tables other than ours with guests - we were there for 4 hours from 2.30 and not busy at all with people commenting the same I visited Portals on Monday and at 11pm everywhere was empty - not a person in Wellies …… So …… something is changing for sure ! No live music outside after 10pm - with temperatures of 35+ and a control on air conditioning temps - who wants to be inside ? They can do that in England and Germany. Plus the prices are crazy €17 average price for a basic gin and tonic - yesterday a small salad of feta and rocket €24 …… a hamburger €27 It’s no wonder places like C’an Pedro have queues out the door as they have kept their prices realistic ….. also look at hotel prices - even Airbnb the average price is €200 per night - it’s crazy !! But then search for September - offers all over the place as hotels are not reaching occupancy levels Steve Heapy was 100% right - people are not sooo wedded to Mallorca - there are alternatives - and Mallorca will be left with its wealthy second home owners and empty hotels ….. Just my opinion ……

“One that seeks quality over quantity” You seem to be under the impression that your statement defines or refers to Mallorca. A good friend of mine, who is definitely not short of a bob or two, and is, or was, a very regular visitor to these isles, has spent the last two family summer holidays in Turkey. His opinion ? Mallorca is no longer good value for money, however much one pays. I repeat, value for money.

Funny, all indications so far are that it actually is a record year for tourism. Perhaps Magaluf may be suffering a bit, so you could be forgiven for not knowing any better. But I also suspect that may be because of its reputation. Everywhere else is heaving. A few nice new hotels in Magaluf won't change the reputation or the demographic overnight. It will require some time. And there's evidence that it's working, even as the MDB suggests it (although framed as "Brits fleeing"). Perhaps what you're referring to is the unmistakable shift toward a different class of tourist. One that seeks quality over quantity. And surprisingly, it hasn't seemed to have reduced the tourist numbers at all. Funny that. But you can continue to hope. it will all come crashing down at some point. Yet it could ultimately make you appear rather foolish. But no risk, no reward, eh?