Both Abta and its German counterpart, DRV, are verifying the high demand, which has been brought about by the comparative cheapness of holidays. This is less the case in Greece, but is certainly so in Egypt and Turkey. With no European Union regulations to concern themselves with, the governments of both countries are subsidising flights. In Turkey, the subsidies have been in existence since 2016, but they have been increased to up to 7,000 euros or more. In addition, the cost of hotel rooms is in the order of 25% lower than in the Balearics, for example. A package holiday can therefore work out in some instances to be 40% less than a Balearic equivalent.
The tour operators have been pushing holidays to Turkey and Egypt. The lower prices are one reason; the recouping of losses over the past couple of years is another. It is therefore hardly surprising that the sale of holiday packages to, for instance, Antalya, is reckoned to have risen by as much as 90% for certain parts of the season. The Turkish and Egyptian resorts are making comebacks from what were low numbers.
In Majorca, where hoteliers have been under pressure from tour operators to cut prices, the apparent virtual sell-out of holidays to rival destinations is leading the hoteliers to reconsider reductions. Tour operators will have to now push Majorca and Balearic holidays, especially in instances where they have contracted hotel places. For some holidays in the summer there are reduced prices because certain hoteliers accepted the recommendations of tour operators at the Berlin ITB fair in March. But overall, it would seem that the islands' hoteliers can anticipate another profitable season.
13 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Too late Mallorca.....last 15 holiday years holidays in Cala San Vicente....no more, now already been to Weymouth for Easter, fantastic. More holidays booked in the UK this yea. GOODBYE MALLORCA!
I repeatedly wrote since the introduction of the tourist tax and the anti tourist campaigns that the decline of the Island is in site. I feel sorry for the business owners on the island but they need to stand up otherwise this lovely Island will be a collection of empty premises. I wrote to our regular hotel holiday stay,apologising for not returning and explaining our reasons and they feel embarrassed by the greed of the government and the young anti tourists.
@Anders Good luck for those people travelling to Split finding a single sandy beach. Only rocks and water.
Earlier this year a research done in Sweden by TNS showed that the interest in Mallorca as this years summer destination has decreased dramatically. Now real booking statistics from the travel industry shows that Mallorca has been overtaken by Split, Croatia as the number 1 summer holiday destination. Greece and Turkey are runner-ups...
We love Majorca and have been 8 times in 6 years but prices have increased alot in those years. Last year we also visited a Greek island and it was not only wonderful but cheaper. I dont want to say goodbye to Majorca but it will come down to finance in the end.
We are the same Bob. We are in Ca'n Picafort in May then that's it for Majorca. We are booked into a Hotel in September on the Spanish Mainland all inclusive for less than a week B & B in Majorca, also less flight and transfer times and lovely Airports at Reus or Girona.
We normally travle 3 adults and our son on now 12 years to alcudia, and have done for the last 10 years, but this year we are going 2 adults and our son on 12, but we pay more, does this sounds okey. This is the sad thing abóut raising the prices, but we have to consider if this is the last year for us, right now we get the same trip to greece for much less. I know from more tourists at our hotel in alcudia, that this is there last year there, they simply cant affort it anymore. If this is what spain is going for, less tourists, then they are on the right path for sure, but what a shame, my 7000 EURO for 14 days isn't good enough anymore.
The majority of tourists will have already booked this seasons holidays or changed them to the cheaper destinations. The new brochures for 2019 are out this Thursday. If Hoteliers do offer a reduction for this year they may pick up a few last minute stragglers waiting for a bargain. Good luck.
Different sources have different messages, obviously. Mallorca Zeitung reports today that it may be cheaper to go to Mallorca than to Egypt or Turkey (http://www.mallorcazeitung.es/lokales/2018/03/29/so-teuer-last-minute-angebote/58629.html). It depends on what you compare, but their conclusion is that it will be fully booked in Mallorca this year as well. So don't worry.
I feel so sorry for all those hardworking bar/restaurant/cafe/shop owners who need to pay the bills for 12 months a year. Also, if they have permanent staff they will be trapped in paying them as they will not be able to afford to pay them off as the employment laws here are very Draconian... then bankruptcy will follow. What a very very sad situation.