Panic in Majorca as skint 'diesel tourists' wreak havoc on island

Tourists travelling to Majorca on the cheap have earned a new nickname. (Image: Getty)

A 20% drop in revenue in July has been partially blamed on "diesel tourists" in Majorca. These are holidaymakers who reportedly explore the island but spend nothing. Last month, a new type of holidaymaker appeared in the Balearics, stirring debate and concern among local businesses. Nicknamed the "sandwich tourist," these visitors are known for bypassing restaurants in favour of buying their food from local supermarkets in order to save a few quid.

Similarly, diesel tourists are defined by their tendency to explore the island while spending as little as possible. Unlike their sandwich counterparts, they appear not even to indulge in the occasional homemade meal. These visitors are criticised for touring Mallorca's popular attractions without making any meaningful purchases. They wander through the island's picturesque landscapes, relax on the beaches, and may even bring along their own sandwiches, yet they avoid paying for sunbeds, drinks, or other beachside amenities.

Diesel tourists are travellers who walk a lot but spend little. (Image: Getty)

Local business owners say this reluctance to spend is driving down revenue on the beaches and beyond, worsening the economic difficulties of the summer season. However, Travel and Tour World reports that criticism of tourists often overlooks the role local authorities could play in preparing the island for a more sustainable tourism model. Rather than focusing solely on visitors' spending habits, perhaps the question should be how the tourism infrastructure can better accommodate the varied needs of travellers, balancing affordability with the quality of experiences.

The travel publication wrote: "Perhaps the real solution lies not in vilifying these so-called 'sandwich' or 'diesel' tourists, but in creating a more flexible, affordable, and diverse set of offerings that appeal to a wide range of travelers."

After a series of protests, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that representatives from the hotel, hospitality, and transport sectors have observed a decline in tourist numbers this summer. 

Juanmi Ferrer, from Mallorca's Restaurants Association (CAEB), warned that eateries across the island could be forced to close in 2025, according to the report. Some establishments are seeing customer numbers fall by as much as 40%.

However, tourism minister Jaume Bauzà insists that overall visitor numbers to Mallorca remain strong. In 2024, the Balearic Islands welcomed an estimated 15.3 million international holidaymakers.