Tourist sector prepares for September-October bonanza

PALMA
THE Balearics will enjoy the best end of season in the past 15 years, especially in the hotel sector, complementary offer, air traffic and visitor numbers according to predictions provided by the Hoteliers Associations of Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza-Formentera, the business associations CAEB, PIMEB and Aeca and the Airport Authority AENA.

The Hoteliers Federation of Majorca confirmed the predictions and added that September looks as though it is going to be “very positive and profitable for the hotel sector, as the average rate of occupancy is going to be higher than 2006, which was an excellent year.” The Federation's manager Alfonso Meaurio said “the balance of the season is proving to be higher than expected and the average return will also be higher.” Ashome, the Minorcan hoteliers association, and that of Ibiza-Formentera, agreed that this year was “better regarding the general indicators and the end of the season, according to tour operators' predictions, is going the same way.” As to the origin of tourists, Spain is now the second biggest source in Minorca, ahead of Great Britain, while in Ibiza-Formentera, the numbers of Spanish, German, British and Italian tourists have all increased.

AECA, the airlines organisation, said that the movement of passengers in September and October will be higher than last year, and this was confirmed by AENA in view of the programming of flights in Son Sant Joan (Palma), Mahon and Ibiza airports.

According to CAEB and PIMEB, the index of profitability in the tourist industry this year will grow by three to five points, which will logically have an effect on the final growth in the Gross Domestic Product in the Balearics. This is expected to be higher than the 3.4 per cent forecase earlier this year by the Balearic government, financial bodies and the business sector.

The Playa de Palma is proving to be one of the most popular resort areas in Majorca.
It beat expectations in July and August and predictions for September and October are more than favourable.
If the average rate of occupancy in September last year was 92.2 per cent, this year, it is expected to be 95 per cent, while in October it is expected to rise from last year's 77.7 per cent to 80 per cent.

According to AENA, more than 848'000 passengers are expected to use Palma's Son sant Joan airport this week, 2.48 per cent more than the same week last year, while the number of planes will rise by 1.82 per cent to 5'215 (landings and take-offs).

For July hotel occupancy figures see page 7.