Overbooking is an issue for Majorca hotels this summer. | Daniel Espinosa

TW
5

The writing was on the wall at the beginning of the summer season, but the local authorities said that by using today’s technology and data banks the chance of Majorca having a problem with overbooking this summer was highly unlikely.

Today, however, the hotel federations and the authorities admitted that there is a problem and that in a number of cases guests are being diverted to other hotels due to a lack of accommodation on arrival.

What has not helped has been the ongoing security problems, especially in Turkey, and the fact that major UK low cost airlines are knocking out seats at discount prices. This means that, while there are seats available on the planes, there are no beds available in resort.

The small to medium-sized hotel chains are in close contact in order to try and contain the situation, but if the massive influx of tourists this month has exceeded expectations, what is going to happen in August as the season reaches its peak?

The majority of resort hotels are reporting occupancy in the region of around 95% while some are fully booked well into September. The areas with the greatest overbooking problems are Playa de Palma, Calvia, Alcudia, Can Picafort, Playa de Muro and Cala Millor.

The president of the Playa de Palma Hotel Federation, Francisco Marin, said today that everything is being done to solve the problems and guests are being immediately checked into hotels which have space. "All of the hoteliers and the tour operators are working together and we have the situation under control."

The massive demand for Majorca is not only affecting the hotel sector but also the holiday let market, with many rental agencies reporting that they too are running short of accommodation.