I have a theory; if you want to know what is going on ... ask a taxi driver. This week a Palma cabbie gave her insight into Mallorca at the moment. When I asked whether they were busy, she replied: “It is very, very quiet.” About last season: “It was not as busy as everyone says, I have a friend who works in a hotel and they weren’t even full in August. There are always rooms available.” What about traffic and the alleged congestion: “It is a joy to drive during the summer because the roads are far quieter once the schools have broken up.”
I recount this story because it goes completely against the grain of what the local authorities have been saying. The official line is that winter tourism continues to grow, that last season was a record season and there was no room at the inn, while the reason why island roads are so busy is because of all the hire cars.
So who is right? Well, to be honest I would say the taxi driver, because she has nothing to lose by being honest. Forecasts are already being made of a record season for this summer but the majority of people in northern Europe haven’t booked their holiday yet. There is also the football World Cup. Obviously tourists will come to Mallorca but the days of record seasons are long gone.