Mallorca, the undisputed queen of the Mediterranean, is once again facing an old rival in terms of early bookings: the Turkish Riviera, or more precisely Antalya. According to Benjamin Jacobi, CEO of TUI Deutschland, Antalya is currently ahead among German early bookers. But the reasons for this lead go deeper than mere popularity.
Antalya benefits from FTI insolvency - Mallorca defies the figures
The fact that Antalya is currently leading has less to do with Mallorca's weakness and more to do with TUI's takeover of large contingents from the insolvent tour operator FTI. These capacities are mainly in Turkey, while comparatively little has been added to Mallorca.
Nevertheless, the Balearic island is holding up well: the Booking figures for Mallorca 2024 are above those of the previous year. "Mallorca is and remains a classic," explained Jacobi at a press conference on December 5 (Source: TUI press conference, 05.12.2024). At the same time, he pointed out that the tide could turn in Mallorca's favor again in the spring, as it did in the winter of 2023/24.
Critical voices: Mass tourism without borders?
The rising figures may seem impressive at first glance, but questions are increasingly arising behind the façade. With over 12.8 million tourists by October 2024 alone Mallorca has already reached new highs. This development is not only met with enthusiasm on the island. Protests against mass tourism have recently become louder, but TUI spokesman Aage Dünhaupt rebutted them during the press conference: "Our package holidaymakers are not the problem. This type of vacation is easy to plan and acceptable" (Source: TUI press conference, 05.12.2024).
For critics of the Record visitor numbers however, this view is too one-sided. More guests mean more consumption: water, energy, resources. Especially Mallorca's housing shortage is exacerbated by tourist demand.
Housing crisis: TUI plans, progress lacking
The tourism group TUI is endeavoring to respond at least symbolically to the Mallorca's housing problem to react. Back in spring, CEO Sebastian Ebel explained in an interview with the Mallorca Newspaperthat TUI wants to create housing for employees and others affected by the housing shortage (Mallorca Newspaper, 20.06.2024).
In addition, Ebel expressed understanding for the protests against mass tourism on the island and emphasized the need to take the concerns of local residents seriously (Mallorca Newspaper, 18.08.2024).
However, the question of how long the island can withstand this pressure remains unanswered. Exploding rents, a lack of affordable housing for locals and increasing dependence on tourism are putting a strain on Mallorca's social fabric.
Mallorca: Between records and responsibility
The fact that Mallorca continues to grow despite all the challenges illustrates the strength of the destination - and also its fragility. While the Booking figures Mallorca 2024 If the number of jobs increases, the road to a more sustainable use of resources and the needs of the local population remains long.
The future of the island will depend on how it manages the balancing act between growth and sustainability. Because one thing is certain: records alone do not make a happy island.
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