Spanish Locals Angered as Brits Abandon Balearics for New Hotspots
In recent years, the Balearic Islands have seen a decrease in restaurant patronage, raising concerns among local hospitality leaders and residents. Major tourist destinations like Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca have encountered a decline in customer numbers in 2025, attributed mainly to rising prices.
Decline in Restaurant Customers
Travel experts have marked the beginning of 2025 as “disastrous” for the Balearic Islands. According to data from Delectatech, the region has experienced a 3% drop in restaurant visitors. This contrasts with only a 1% decline seen in other areas like the Basque Country and Catalonia.
- Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca: Popular tourist areas.
- 3% decrease in restaurant customers in 2025.
- 1% decline in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
The significant loss in customers is alarming, particularly because of the narrow profit margins in the restaurant sector. The Majorca Daily News indicated that price increases directly correlate to this downward trend. In contrast, regions like Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, which offer cheaper dining options, have actually seen customer increases.
Economic Impact and Future Predictions
Hospitality leaders face a challenging future. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, expressed concerns over continuing factors leading to a downturn in customer traffic. He warned that 2026 may mirror or worsen the current situation, stating, “The last thing a restaurant owner wants is to raise prices, as it results in fewer customers.”
The Balearic government is exploring solutions, including a discount scheme aimed at revitalizing local dining. This initiative parallels a recent program offering vouchers to residents to stimulate local shopping.
Public Sentiment and Protests
Last summer witnessed alarming reports of deserted Majorca resorts, fueled by discontent among locals. Miguel Pérez-Marsá, head of a nightlife association, reported that potential visitors feel unwelcome, prompting them to seek alternative destinations. This coincided with widespread protests against overtourism, with approximately 5,000 residents advocating for government intervention.
- 5,000 residents protested in June 2025 against overtourism.
- Concerns over tourism detracting from local experiences.
Tourism officials, including Ibiza’s Minister of Tourism, Jaume Bauza, revealed that Britain’s visitor numbers decreased by 20,000 during peak season in 2025 compared to the previous year, suggesting shifting travel patterns among holidaymakers.
Luxury Tourism and Community Concerns
Residents of Ibiza have raised concerns about the rise in luxury tourism, which has escalated living costs and forced workers into temporary housing situations. Sofìa Ribas, founder of (Ma) Learning Lab for Sustainable Transformation, lamented the changing dynamics on the island, saying it no longer embodies its traditional charm as a mixed community.
The Balearic Islands continue to navigate complexities arising from changing tourism patterns, local economic factors, and evolving public sentiment. With ongoing concerns regarding overtourism and growing costs, the future demands thoughtful strategies to ensure both visitor satisfaction and local welfare.
