Soaring prices on a holiday isle adored by sun-seeking Brits have led to a mass exodus of tourists from the destination. Majorca’s tourism sector faces a serious dilemma as escalating marina fees are reportedly sending visitors packing in significant numbers.
The price surge is particularly impacting the lucrative yacht sector, according to one industry insider. For years, Majorcan ports have been favoured by yachts for docking during pleasurable voyages.
However, a prominent individual within the industry has signalled that the island’s economy could suffer due to the rising costs driving pleasure-seekers away from the marinas. Alex Casares expressed that smaller yacht businesses are struggling the most with the increased expenses, whereas the larger vessels “have no economic problems”.
“Yachts are leaving Majorca because of the high price of marinas,” the president of the Association for the Nautical Development of Businesses and the Self-Employed disclosed to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. “This especially affects boats between 15 and 30 metres in length,” he elaborated.
His statements track alongside recent protests on the island addressing worries over the effects of excessive tourism. In July, throngs paraded through Palma, the capital of the island, airing their grievances about the consequences of rampant tourism, reports the Mirror.
A local political faction has even called for measures to cut the number of tourist beds by 40% and to set a cap on the number of annual visitors. It comes as Spain proposes introducing a 100% property tax on non-EU nationals.
The president of ADNEA has highlighted a worrying trend in Majorca, as reported by Express.co.uk, with prices soaring by up to 30% in recent years. This surge is threatening the island’s status as a leading nautical hub, as it faces stiff competition from other burgeoning tourist hotspots like Catalonia and Valencia.
He attributes the price hikes to worker shortages and a lack of initiative from authorities to develop Majorca’s maritime sector. “A few years ago, we had a waiting [list] for ports or marinas, but it’s getting shorter,” he remarked.
“We run the risk that there will be fewer and fewer until we lose the prominent position we have enjoyed over the years. Many nautical companies in the Balearics have to reject projects due to lack of workers.”
He further explained the industry’s plight: “As in other specialised sectors, the nautical sector faces difficulties in finding skilled labour [and] due to the shortage of workers and the high cost of port facilities, many companies are forced to turn down work.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-tourists-abandoning-majorca-costs-30777229
