The final tally of 2024's tourist numbers was published on Monday and it showed a total for the Balearics of 18,735,675. Of these, there were 15,311,569 foreign tourists, Spain having registered 3,424,105.
It was another record year in terms of numbers of tourists, exceeding 2023 by around 900,000. An increase of just under five per cent, this was, however, the lowest percentage rise among Spain's main tourism regions (Andalusia, the Canaries, Catalonia, Madrid, Valencia are the others).
A majority of tourism markets registered increases. The highest percentage, 18.7 to 1,829,242, was for 'other European countries'. France rose by 14.8% to 1,122,661, while Germany was up by 9.2% to 5,029,755, the first time that five million has been exceeded. 'Other countries in the world', including for instance the American market, increased by 6.4% to 787,419.
As ever, the three dominant markets were Germany, Spain and the UK, but both Spain and the UK recorded decreases. Spain's was marginal - minus 0.2% - while the UK drop was the greatest among the four markets that fell in 2024. This was by -3.2% to 3,575,603. While this wasn't a big fall for the whole year, certain months did show quite significant decreases, e.g. July with -10.1%. In 2023 UK tourism in the Balearics increased by 9.8%.
The other markets that dropped in 2024 were the Netherlands (-1.9% to 701,921) and Switzerland (-0.6% to 494,056).
In December, one of the quietest months of the year, there were 296,261 tourists, a year-on-year increase of 6.2%. Indicative of flights in the winter, Germany was up 31.5% to 99,895, while the UK rose 3.5% to 17,287. Spanish tourism was slightly up to 113,815.
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tranq tranquerInteresting, thanks. I presume that if he built a house, he must have come to live in Majorca with his family as well.
Morgan WilliamsYou obviously don’t believe in that foundation of common law that states that one is innocent until proven guilty. Obviously not in my case (well, maybe) but in that of your so called “illegal” competitors. Why haven’t you denounced them ? Or would that be a “faux pass”.
Richard PearsonThe vast majority of tourists here spend far more than 90 days in Schengen, many are here 365 days per year, excepting any short trips abroad. They just aren't illegals. So, I'm not interested in that. You, however, seem to flaunt your illegal status as a badge of honour, so I'm not inclined to take that risk. It's known as a "red flag" in the business. Statistically, and validated by long experience, those that exhibit such dismissive character are far more likely to be problematic and potentially damaging. It's our policy to actively avoid those who exhibit red flags, which consistently delivers a mutually enjoyable experience for both parties. I can refer you to others who wouldn't care, likely much cheaper (and perhaps even operating illegally like yourself). But you get what you pay for. Although I suspect you wouldn't notice - just another day in paradise for you.
Richard PearsonNo the closest I got to Tolo was a disco he owned across the road from my favourite bar in Arenal. My partner and I were bought out by another group of Mallorquins. Re changes, the vast improvement in the road system from narrow bumpy roads hemmed in by stone walls to smooth wide main roads courtesy of the EU. No more animals working the fields and no more 125v electrics with a house full of mini transformers to convert up to 220v. for imported appliances. When my father in law built a house in Paguera in 1963 he planted a lawn. To cut it he dismantled his lawnmower in the UK and brought it over in pieces bit by bit in his suitcase. We regularly bought return tickets in the UK and sold the return half to people going back , sometimes making a profit on the deal .We met them at the airport, checked in for them and handed them the boarding pass - simple.
tranq tranquerJust to clarify, I never doubted the veracity of your statements saying you had lived in Majorca for such a long time. You must have seen quite a few changes since then. Did Sr Cursach, from BCM, buy you out ?
Morgan WilliamsNice try. There is absolutely no way you could know that I, or anyone else for that matter, had spent longer than 90 days in the EU. No way. What’s your next excuse ? I hope it’s a better one.
Richard PearsonWe're not allowed to let to illegals. Sorry.
Richard PearsonAll true and I accept that times have obviously changed. I had a bar and a disco in Arenal in the 80's and in those days all the bars I remember were run by Brits. Locals owned the premises but Brits had the traspasos. In Magaluf in the 2000's I used to eat at Tom Browns, and the bar below our office was British till they did a runner, though true by then I was past enjoying much of the night life. Bye the way I don't claim, I state I have actually lived here many years. Bought a windmill in 1975 and then spent two years in Australia paying for it. From March 78 this has been home so I do have some experience of the island. Mallorca started with multinational everybody mixing tourism. This later morphed into mono nationality, each group in distinct areas. I hope the trend is back towards multinationalism .
Morgan WilliamsGood idea. Let me know where your gaff is, and I’ll come and stay for a few days. B&b only. I’ll eat out at one of your highly recommended fine dining establishments.
Richard PearsonYou really should leave Magaluf once in a while. But it's probably a bit above your pay grade, so I'm not holding my breath.