Majorca tourism

Spanish tourists flocking to the Balearics for National Day holidays

Good weather a contributory factor

In overall terms, Spain is the third largest tourism market in the Balearics. | Archive

Andrew EdePalma12/10/2023 08:21

October 12 is Spain's National Day. It is also referred to as Día de la Hispanidad (less so than once was), while October 12 is the day when Spain celebrates the discovery of the Americas by Columbus and the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora del Pilar).

Not forgetting that it is the day of Spain's armed forces, all in all it is a big day in the annual calendar. And for the travel and tourism industries, it is also a big day - several big days because of bridge holidays.

The good weather and lower prices than in high summer have contributed to high demand for trips from the mainland to the Balearics.

Miguel Pardo, director of institutional relations at Trasmed, says that a record 80% occupancy of ferries is anticipated over the few days. "Without doubt, the good weather contributes greatly to such high occupancy." He adds: "August prices in destinations like the Balearic Islands have pushed national tourism towards the end of the high season. Tourists are choosing to enjoy a getaway outside the traditional vacation period."

While there is a view that prices were deterring Spanish tourists in high summer, the figures don't entirely back this up. In August there were 646,000 national tourists, a higher number than both the UK and Germany. Spain was the number one market in August 2022 as well, Spanish demand for the Balearics having grown considerably since before the pandemic. In August 2019 there were 470,000 Spanish tourists, some distance behind the traditional top two.

As to October with its National Day holidays, Spanish tourism climbed from 170,000 in 2019 to 235,000 in 2022. Last year's number looks set to be beaten this year.

* Figures quoted here come Ibestat, the Balearic Statistics Institute.

Also in Holiday

'Little sail' hydrozoa in Puerto Soller, Mallorca

Mallorca beach again covered by thousands of 'little sails'

Tens of thousands of Mallorca-bound British tourists facing long air delays this summer, airline boss warns

Don Juan Hotel in Cala Millor, Mallorca, which is being totally renovated

Reaching for higher stars: The modernisation of Mallorca's hotels

Playa de Palma, Mallorca without the beach wall

Arenal beach wall: Gone ... for now

1 comment

To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in

Sara | about 1 year ago

Today is not the ‘day’ of Spain’s armed forces. El Día de las Fuerzas Armadas falls on a date earlier in the year. Instead of them also parading on Spain’s national day we ought to celebrate October 12 in a different, more festive way for everyone like most other civilised countries. It’s time we moved on from old customs.

Answer

I like it7

I don't like it5