Traders dispute claims of tourist spending rise

PALMA
OFFICIAL figures claiming spending by British tourists had increased during the first 11 months of the year have been questioned by traders suffering from the affects of the credit crunch.

It was alleged earlier this week that cash outlay by British visitors had increased by 0.6 percent. Overall spending by all nationalities is said to have risen by 2.6 percent.

But businesses operating in British-dominated resorts are disputing the official line, claiming they have experienced one of the worst years for tourist spend since records began.

Many bars and restaurants closed early instead of waiting for the end of the summer season in October because of a lack of trade. Bosses also opened later than normal as resorts like Santa Ponsa and Palmanova struggled to attract new visitors.