Expecting tourist oversupply this winter
Mallorca's winter tourism boom and job opportunities
Palma Airport, also known as Son Sant Joan, is gearing up for a remarkable winter season, with an impressive 47,837 planned flights from the end of October through to the end of March. This represents a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year and a staggering 15.4% rise compared to the winter of 2019-20. What's even more notable is the substantial increase in aircraft seat capacity, rising from 6.3 million seats in the previous year to 7.2 million seats for the upcoming winter.
Business owners adapt quickly for the tourist demands
Hotel owners across the island are swiftly adapting to meet this growing tourist demand, extending the tourist season in areas like Playa de Palma, Alcúdia and Cala Millor. Notably, the demand, particularly among German tourists, continues to rise, with forecasts pointing to a winter season as successful as the previous summer.
The forecasts paint a picture of Mallorca as one of the most sought-after destinations for European travellers, particularly for short getaways and city excursions. This promising outlook signifies a resilient tourism industry on the island, even during the typically quieter winter season.
Job opportunities during off-peak seasons
One of the most encouraging outcomes of this surge in winter tourism is the creation of job opportunities during the off-peak months. Tourism businesses now view the winter season as an opportunity to retain their staff, anticipating higher demand come the summer of 2024.
TUI's CEO, Sebastian Ebel, has already reported a remarkable 15% increase in bookings for the upcoming winter, marking a significant improvement over previous forecasts. Other key players in the tourism industry, such as Jet2 Holidays, EasyJet Holidays, DER Touristik, Alltours, and Schauinsland, also share an optimistic outlook for the future.
However, amidst this optimism, travel organisers and airlines remain vigilant about one critical factor: fuel prices. Fuel costs account for a substantial 30% of expenses for all airlines, posing a significant challenge that the industry continues to monitor closely.