Heapy added that he doesn't agree with discussions about limiting visitors or searching for quality tourism - "whatever this means" - but made clear that he is willing to sit down with political leaders to discuss these issues and try to bring positions closer. Before this, however, he believed that governments should clearly define their positions on the future of tourism. "Shortly after the next elections, the elected rulers should speak out and make it clear what their intentions are in relation to the tourism industry."
He explained that most of the complaints received last year from Jet2 customers were not about overcrowding but to do with a lack of sufficient staff in some hotels. He expressed concern about the experience of customers in any hotels affected by a staff shortage. On tourist saturation, he said that tourists "are happy to come to Mallorca even if there are a lot of people, because it is a busy island and for many that is part of the experience - finding busy bars and restaurants."
On this issue of overcrowding, Heapy said that "there must be a good debate between the government, airlines, hotels and public, who have to find a compromise solution because it is a difficult matter to solve". "You have to understand what different parties want to find a correct solution. It's not easy, but less tourism means less income, less GDP and less employment for the people of the islands."
Despite inflation and higher prices, Heapy expressed his optimism: "The British will sacrifice other things: cancel the Netflix subscription, stop buying lottery tickets or going out to eat, but they will not give up their holidays."
On another issue - climate change and the impact this may have on tourism - Heapy said that he wasn't worried. "When people talk about the increase in temperatures, they talk about a global one degree. In the UK, this doesn't make much difference. It also rains a lot and doesn't have a great climate."
The presentation was of the group's forecasts for this season. These include a 14% growth in operations in the Balearics, following an increase of 21% in 2022 compared with 2019. For Mallorca specifically, 15% growth is forecast; it has already increased by 16% compared with 2019. The plan is to consolidate operation from February to November and to integrate packages at Christmas.
Heapy stressed that the group has grown significantly in recent years and taken advantage of the pandemic to emerge stronger. Its position in the Balearics has been strengthened: it works with 557 hotels and 327 villas. The air fleet is also due to grow significantly - by 2030 it will be double the current one. The aim for Jet2 is to reach thirty million customers by 2030.
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For all the talk of 'a better class of customer', that is not what we saw in our hotel! Never seen such rowdy, unkempt and vulgar guests! Up until this year the hotel was a top class hotel. I think they may well have shot themselves in the foot.
It’s a very muddled argument from all sides. The Balearic Govt don’t appear to have a coherent plan but are spouting sustainable transformational marketing sound byte nonsense. An election is coming! The jet2 guy is about numbers, growth and profit. That’s his business. His opinions on climate change though are really alarming. Clearly not on the same wavelength, or planet probably, which pretty much discredits his views elsewhere for me.
Finbar SaundersWell I use jet 2 in preference to other carriers. They are superior by some way than other budget carriers and if my last experience of KLM is anything to go by better than some flag carriers. They didn’t become the largest tourist carrier in the U.K. by not understanding the market and their customer's requirements. You obviously haven’t looked at jet2 offerings as the Jumeirah in Soller is one of them. The Belmont is on request. As for 4 to a room in Palma nova, well that’s more likely to be those traveling wearing their entire holiday wardrobe, on an airplane with a harp on the tail. Than a jet 2 flight.
If the Squeezy Jet CEO was subjected to the long arrival queue. Plus a long wait for a Taxi. He is correct in warning Mallorca . But I suspect he arrived by Private Jet. Plus a Private Car to ferry him around. But he is obviously aware of what is happening and what has been said and in print..So Mallorca be warned !!!
Well he would say thay wouldn't he. Trust me Jet2 customers aren't staying at the Jumeirah in Soller or La Residencia in Deia. They are either getting a cheap flight and staying 4 to a room or some nasty all inclusive in Palmanova. In other words most of his clientel spend very little on the Island and are just the sort of people Mallorca is trying to discourage from coming.
graemerOk, so if you're amongst those targeted in this "anti-tourist" campaign, then you're the type that seeks the cheapest you can find, while causing the most problems? If so, that's unfortunate, but at least you'll be able to continue with cheapness in Egypt and Turkey. Mallorca will just have to live with the elevated quality 0f tourism.
As a non-Mallorcian, but as someone who does bring a large amount of money to the island, the message I am getting from Mallorca is pretty clear - "We want your money, but we don't want you." I am seriously considering other regions of Spain who are more focussed on what they can do for me rather than how much m I paying.
Well said Steve, I think the British and tour operators have had enough of the nasty anti tourists comments by the government.
He sounds a bit simple to me 🤷♂️