PALMA – Within a week, the Balearic Islands tourism industry has changed its perspective dramatically. Hoteliers initially thought they would welcome back tourists in May or June. The focus is now on the end of March.
The first of the hotels on Mallorca to open is Robinson Club Cala Serena of the TUI group on March 20. Meliá, Hipotels, Grupotel and Iberostar and Barceló plan to open during April and May. These chains initially indicated they would not open their doors until June at the earliest. However, these indications are all dependent on the evolution of the virus and booking figures.
Two important announcements
Two announcements changed all predictions. First, the lifting of travel restrictions for the British from 17 May. Second, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s position on the availability of a health passport in a few months to facilitate travel between European countries. Great Britain and Germany are the main markets for the Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean.
Javier Vich, President of the Palma Hotel Association, points out there are currently 18 hotels on Mallorca open. However, that number will increase to 40 between the end of March and May. According to local media, Playa de la Palma will be the area to benefit most from increasing demand.
TUI’s commitment to Mallorca
Although in terms of holiday bookings Mallorca is still below that for the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes or Turkey, the increase to the Spanish island exceeds all expectations. Holger Reinshagen, regional director of the Robinson chain, says this is due to the great importance that TUI assigns to Mallorca. TUI Fly will fly twice a week from Germany to Palma Airport from 27 March. There are four flights planned for March 27.
In addition to TUI, the tour operators Jet2, Alltours, FTI, EasyJet Hollidays, DER Touristik and Schauinsland-Reisen are also important for the supply of British and German tourists to the Balearic Islands.
