The evidence for this, however, seems mostly confined to Palma, where the president of the hoteliers association, Javier Vich, says that occupancy at Christmas will be 80%, rising to 90% for New Year. As well as foreign tourists, he points to strong demand from the national market.
The president of the Aviba travel agencies association, Pedro Fiol, explains that 80% of his members expect a Christmas with figures equal to or higher than last year. He adds that advance bookings are increasing, especially for the German market, the main driving force of the tourism sector over the low season. "It is the market that contributes most to addressing seasonality. In addition, we have recently discovered that Mallorca is also an important attraction for the German market due to the winter cruise offer."
Although the focus is on Palma, Mallorca and the Balearics are expecting two records for this low season: for international arrivals in general and for German arrivals in particular. And German visitors overwhelmingly opt for Mallorca over the other islands. The airlines' forecasts point to a 10% higher volume of bookings than last year for flights to the islands from November to March.
Vich has previously said that almost 100% of hotels in Palma will be open during the whole of the low season.
Away from Palma, the demand is principally for interior tourism, which has been growing in recent years. In resort areas, very few hotels are open, a situation that will only start to change in February.
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Stan The ManI think most anyone who moves to a resort will testify that living in a resort is very different than visiting.
I live in a "Ghost Urbanisation" during the Winter. Everywhere is closed. There is nothing for Christmas.
Yes, it's been that way as long as I can remember. Winter is booked through to May - mostly Germans of course, a few Scandinavians, even some Americans. Blocked a few days in January for maintenance and upgrades, but otherwise, well booked. Golf is the main draw. Family getaway for Christmas & new years. Cyclists, sightseers, and a few just getting away from the cold north to work remotely in a nicer climate. But that's a pretty normal booking pattern by this time of year.