Many of Majorca’s popular tourist hotspots are facing a growing crisis, with a significant number of bars and shops in the area being put up for sale, sparking alarm among local businesses. As the winter season drags on, many owners have been forced to close their doors due to a severe lack of visitors.
In recent weeks, “For Sale” and “To Let” signs have become increasingly common in the streets of Magaluf and Palmanova, raising questions about the future of the iconic resorts. While many establishments usually rely on the influx of tourists during the summer months, the winter season has seen a drastic decline in foot traffic. The situation is now so dire that locals are describing the once-bustling areas as “completely deserted“.
“No one comes by now,” one of the few shopkeepers who remains open in Palmanova at the end of January, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin. “When the Imserso tourists [Spanish pensioners who participate in a government-subsidised holiday program] came, you’d sell something and there was some business.
“Now, nothing, just the occasional customer or locals who know we’re open and don’t want to go down to Palma.”
Meanwhile, the manager of a bar in Magaluf revealed that they are only serving their regular customers, pensioners and residents, “not much else”.
“I open because you can always make a little money, but it’s not enough,” he added.
Near his bar are signs which read “traspasa”. These boards indicate a business transfer, where a new owner takes over the operational lease, equipment and customer base rather than just buying the property.
In a bid to revitalise Majorca’s vital winter industry, the Acotur association of tourist services businesses has asked Calvia Town Hall and hotel owners to make an effort to open earlier than usual. The association’s president, Pepe Tirado, said: “This would help revitalise the rest of the tourism sector, which is currently at a standstill. The streets are completely deserted; nothing is open, and it’s sad.”
The president added that the winter season is getting shorter and shorter, with most tourists now waiting until Easter to visit, leading to more establishments being put on the market and difficulties in hiring staff.
“Competition from large shopping centres is another handicap for small businesses, which can’t compete on price,” he added. “They also have parking and other advantages. Then there are rents, which are increasingly high and difficult for many to afford.”
“The solution is to open the hotels earlier. When they close, nobody comes here.”
