As the 2024 tourism season enters its final months, Mallorca is poised for continued growth, particularly in October, with expectations for an extended season into mid-November. Pedro Fiol, president of the Aviba association of travel agencies, highlights the sustained high occupancy rates, despite evolving tourist preferences.
Fiol explains that visitors to Mallorca now fall into two distinct categories. There are those who can afford to travel during the peak season but opt for shorter stays, and others who prefer the off-peak months to benefit from lower prices. This trend of shorter holidays has become more pronounced this year, following a pattern first observed in 2023. While visitor numbers have increased, tourists are spending less on supplementary services like restaurants, excursions, and shopping. The average length of stay in Mallorca has decreased from 9.4 days in 2009 to 6.5 days in 2023. While rising prices play a role, Fiol suggests a shift in holidaying habits towards multiple shorter trips instead of one extended vacation might also be a contributing factor.
October is projected to see high occupancy rates, with strong demand driving the late season. Travel market analysts from TravelgateX and Mabrian forecast an overall growth of 2% for the late season, with the British and Spanish markets playing a pivotal role. The British market is expected to outperform the average, while the Spanish market shows signs of recovery after a 13% drop in July. Despite recent declines in arrivals from the British and Spanish markets during the peak summer months, Fiol remains optimistic. “We are compensating with growth from other markets that have higher purchasing power,” he says, downplaying concerns about the slight drop in British and Spanish tourists.
Spanish tourists, in particular, are increasingly favoring travel during less crowded periods. A study by the National Observatory of Outbound Tourism reveals that more Spanish travelers are opting for holidays during the off-peak months. This shift in behavior reflects a broader trend in the tourism industry, where travelers are seeking quieter, more affordable options. Mallorca’s tourism industry is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, as it offers a more relaxed experience in the off-season, without compromising on the quality of services and attractions. The warmer Mediterranean climate during these months also makes Mallorca an appealing destination year-round.
Mallorca’s tourism sector continues to evolve in response to changing traveler habits, with shorter stays and off-peak visits becoming increasingly popular. The late-season growth forecast, especially from the British and Spanish markets, points to a strong finish for 2024, with the season likely extending into mid-November. With the ability to attract high-spending tourists and adapt to new trends, Mallorca remains a resilient and popular destination.
