Majorca chaos as restaurants become Spain's biggest tourism victim

Majorca has suffered the greater loss of custom in Spain (Image: Getty)

Bars and restaurants in Majorca have suffered a greater loss in tourism than anywhere else in Spain during the summer season. Delectatech, a company specialising in data for the hospitality sector, says there is a direct link between a fall in visitors and a "prolonged rise in prices".

Majorca has become less and less budget friendly and it appears the island risks driving droves of tourists away with its ever-increasing prices. Once considered a cheap holiday destination during the 1970s and 80s, Majorca is now most definitely paying the price for its success. With tourists not having deep enough wallets to cover their accommodation, flights and eating out, it seems many are choosing to abandon the latter.

Restaurants and bars in Majorca are struggling (Image: Getty)

The study found that the Balearics are among the regions with the highest average bill. 

The slump in tourists means that bars and restaurants have lost around 4.2%, in what should have been their busiest part of the year.

"The upward trend in southern regions of Spain, such as Andalusia, and in less touristy areas, is related to greater affordability, which attracts demand to these destinations", says the report.

Delectatech also points to changes in consumer habits with tourists increasingly looking for products such as pizza, ice cream, juices, and smoothies as well as those for breakfasts and brunch.

Traditional dishes alongside seafood, vegetables and selected meats (lamb, rabbit, duck), are all declining. 

The demand for wines and beers are also declining in popularity. 

These findings remarks echo those of Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, who warned in July that tourists dining at restaurants were "cutting back on everything", including wine and having fewer dishes, as they feel the pinch. On average, spending per table has dropped between 10% and 12%.

Issuing a stark warning, Mr Ferrer said restaurants are being forced to “change their menus and include cheaper products”. 

He said: "Restaurant owners are having to throw away fresh produce because their forecasts aren't being met. Therefore, they are opting for less perishable food on their menus.”