The Palma Boat Show means a great boost for tourism in the city. Last year there were more than 40,000 visitors, and not just local people, as the event attracts many foreign tourists who come to Majorca specifically for the show, considered to be one of the Mediterranean's most important.
As evidence of this, Palma's hotels are anticipating 81% occupancy because of the fair, while some are booked out. (There are still some places available, though.) The president of the hoteliers association, Javier Vich, says that it is an established event in the city which helps in raising occupancy levels in late April and into early May.
Restaurants are other beneficiaries and not just during the days of the show. With exhibitors arriving some days in advance, the restaurants enjoy this additional custom, something recognised by Alfonso Robledo, the president of Majorca restaurants association.
During the fair, more than twenty restaurants in the Moll Vell area will be taking part in the "Tapamar". Started some years ago, this involves there being specific menus, and the restaurants can expect to be full. The association, meanwhile, will have its own stand, from which brochures will be available detailing the participating restaurants. "The Boat Show is one of the most important fairs in Majorca and for us it represents a significant injection of business," says Robledo.
For a different sector - nightlife - the impact is not so direct. Jesús Sánchez, the president of the association for nightclubs, says that it is difficult to quantify the number of clients attending the show who go to bars and clubs. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that any event of this nature will be of benefit to establishments on the Paseo Marítimo.
Retailers will also benefit. El Corte Inglés, which takes part in the show, is aware of increased trade at its shops for food, clothing, accessories and jewellery.
And do not forget that the Majorca Daily Bulletin will be publishing a boat show special, so if you are a business and interested in advertising, please contact 971 788 405.