Give winter tourism a chance in Mallorca

“Despite much talk we are still a six month of the year holiday destination...”

Palma Cathedral is one of the main attractions of the city. | P. PELLICER

Jason MoorePalma de Mallorca29/11/2024 09:53

It's not beach weather but it is still a lot warmer than Northern Europe, so why isn't Mallorca going full out to attract more "low season visitors?"

Little has changed in the resorts. Come the end of October the majority of businesses, from shops to bars, close their doors until the spring. Yes, there are more hotels open but they are rather going it alone because the resorts have effectively closed down.

I was in Palmanova last week and only a handful of bars and restaurants were open, which was a great pity because it was a rather lovely evening and you could have dinner on the terrace. I am full aware that the end game for Mallorca is that there are fewer tourists during the peak summer months and more during the low season.

Unfortunately, if businesses in the resorts can’t be persuaded to stay open there is little chance of this ever happening. Perhaps the time has come to take winter tourism seriously. A plan is needed involving all sectors. Remember it wasn’t long ago that British tour firms had a winter programme to Mallorca with many British tourists celebrating Christmas in Calvia hotels.

A return to the old days is needed, Mallorca is an ideal winter/sun holiday destination. However, despite much talk we are still a six-month-of-the-year holiday destination and nothing has changed.

Also in News

Mallorca holiday paradise vanishing for some German tourists

La Macarena bullring in Felanitx, Mallorca

Abandoned since 2008, a Mallorca bullring has new owners

Government buys back Mallorca estates from Kuwait

Massive blow for BBC radio listeners in Spain

4 comments

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

Richard Pearson | 4 months ago

Zoltan TeglasThat was my point exactly. But…………..I was shouted down (again).

Answer

I like it0

I don't like it7

Zoltan Teglas | 4 months ago

If the government (IE us taxpayers) stopped paying the hotel's staff's wages for 5 months of the year, it might encourage them to stay open longer. Why don't they put on some music festivals in the winter? They have the accommodation, indoor stages, bars, restaurants etc etc. All that is lacking is a bit of imagination and effort.

Answer

I like it3

I don't like it0

Morgan Williams | 4 months ago

You seem to base it all on the presumption that a "resort" is the defacto seek at any time of year. Winter tourism is more about leaving the cold north for better weather and being able to do things they can't do there. That largely consists people who work remotely in a nicer climate, golfers, cyclists, hikers, equestrians, etc. Few would come here expecting to party down at BCM in shorts and t-shirt. I have no doubt there are some that wouldn't have a clue though. Sure, a lovely beach on a warm sea in 30° sunshine sounds good too, but we don't have that here in winter, which might help explain why beach resorts (especially that which you mention) shut down in winter. Not enough demand. And a 20m2 hotel room overlooking a chilly beach isn't particularly attractive. Offer what people want, and a "resort" has a shot. Otherwise, a non-resort type of tourist is going to continue filling the interior in winter.

Answer

I like it9

I don't like it1

Richard Pearson | 4 months ago

Jason, a return to the old days would mean a return to the old labour and benefits laws.

Answer

I like it1

I don't like it7