The Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (Adopuma) has given a negative assessment of the tourist season so far, warning of a 20% drop in revenue in July compared to the same month in 2024. In a press release, the association pointed out that May was already ‘adverse’ due to rainfall, which reduced the use of beach services, and that the recovery has not materialised.
According to Adopuma president Onofre Fornés, the trend has been negative since the start of the season. ‘Reduced income, higher operating costs and subdued demand for key services, such as sun loungers and deckchairs, have affected turnover, for example in areas such as Playa de Muro and Can Picafort,’ he said.
He pointed out that beach tourists, who are the regular users of beach bars, sun loungers and parasols, tend to be average spenders, so the ‘significant’ increase in hotel and flight prices has limited their ability to consume complementary services. In addition, according to Fornés, this has been compounded by ‘irresponsible negative messages against tourism’ which, in his opinion, ‘are damaging’ the perception of the destination and have a direct impact on the sector’s income.
According to Adopuma, beach establishments operated at low occupancy rates in July, restaurants performed below expectations, while increased staff and goods costs ‘put pressure on profitability’ for businesses. At the beginning of August, occupancy remained below ‘optimal levels’, they added.
This is a reality that the association has assured is also reflected in nautical activities, where tourists are ‘clearly’ more cautious with their spending, especially in key markets such as Germany.
The association pointed out that nautical activity operators in areas such as Cala Millor have noticed that many tourists are waiting until the last day of their holidays to book activities, which, in their opinion, shows a ‘clear restraint’ in spending compared to previous seasons. Fornés stressed that this situation ‘contrasts with the generalised image of a successful tourist season’.
‘Although hotel occupancy may be high, demand for complementary services is showing a downward trend that is having a major impact on a business sector that generates thousands of direct jobs a year,’ he said. All in all, the association has called on the authorities to adopt measures to control the rise in tourist prices, counteract tourismphobia and preserve the purchasing power of traditional tourists in order to guarantee the viability of the sector and the quality of the destination.