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by Staff Reporter

PALMA
RESTAURANTS in Majorca have reported an increase in customers of up to 20 per cent in July and ten per cent in Palma in June and August, compared to the same months last year, thanks chiefly to Spanish, German and Russian visitors, who have more money to spare.

However, according to a survey conducted by the restaurant division of Pimem, the small and medium-sized business organisation, restaurateurs consider the season so far to be “unsettled.” They reported that there are now more Icelandic, Belgian and Dutch customers, while in Palma, there has been an increase in Russians and cruise ship passengers.

However, the survey indicates that the increase in visitors has not been accompanied by a large increase in expenditure outside hotels, and repeated complaints about the “negative effect of the all inclusive establishments,” particularly in the Playa de Palma, Can Picafort and Cala Rajada.

Restaurateurs in Playa de Palma and Can Pastilla reported a ten per cent drop in the number of customers (chiefly German and Spanish) in June and July, and a drop of up to 15 per cent in their purchasing power. This was offset in August by a five per cent increase in customers, who spent a similar amount to the same month last year.

In Calvia (Illetas, Costa den Blanes, Palmanova-Magalluf, Santa Ponsa and Paguera) restaurateurs reported a drop in customers, mainly Spanish, of five per cent in June and August, and seven per cent in July although their purchasing power had risen by between seven and 12 per cent.

Port of Andratx reported an increase in customers of five to seven per cent, while the amount of money they spent varied from a ten per cent drop in June to a five per cent increase in July, while August was virtually the same as last year. The chief customers were German, Swedish, Russian and Danish.

Port of Pollensa, with mainly German, British and Spanish customers, reported increases of ten to 15 per cent in numbers and five to ten per cent in spending. The situation was similar in the port of Alcudia, although June and July were better than August.

Can Picafort, on the other hand, showed a drop in customers of five to 15 per cent and a drop of five to ten per cent in spending power. Its chief customers were British, Spanish and Scandinavian.

Cala Rajada reported a similar situation.