Joan Miralles, the president of the Aptur holiday rentals association, said yesterday that it is impossible to accurately forecast occupancy levels during the tourism season. "They make changes every week," he observed of policymakers. Noting that regulation yet to come is "unpredictable", he added that there are many intangibles and variable factors which make accurate forecasting an impossibility.
According to official figures, holiday rentals represented around 17% of all accommodation occupancy in August last year. Despite the uncertainty, Miralles said that he expects there to be a slight increase this year.
Aptur has come to an agreement with Bookiply, which will be the online "channel manager" for the association and its members. Bookiply is based in Munich and Palma.
According to its data, the average stay at a holiday rental in Majorca last year was 8.4 nights. This was up to 9.9 nights by 6 April this year. The average price per night in 2017 was 250 euros; this year it is forecast to be 262 euros. The data are based on 350 properties.
The founder of Bookiply, Justin Walklet, explained yesterday that Majorca is the most sought-after destination in Spain for holiday rentals. Last year, Cala Ratjada was the most popular place, followed by Palma, Alcudia and Paguera. At present for this year, Palma is leading the way and is followed by Alcudia, Pollensa and Arenal. Walklet added that there is at present 86% occupancy in July and the start of August for the 350 properties on its website.
Miralles referred to rival destinations and argued that they cannot compete with the Balearics when it comes to holiday rentals. "In the hotel sector perhaps so, but with holiday rentals there's no way."
On the obligation for details about tenants to now be provided to the authorities, Miralles said that this didn't concern the association. "The holiday rentals sector should always comply with the law." And on another issue - the tourist tax - he said that he was totally in favour of it.
Miralles also announced that Aptur's name is changing to Habtur.