Balaerics benefits from luxury tourism

Indeed, Balearic Tourism and Sports Minister Carlos Delgado highlighted the “upward trend” in UK visitors at the World Travel Market at London’s ExCel and announced “good” forecasts for 2014.

“Whilst other markets such as Greece, Egypt, Turkey, may have lowered their prices to attract more tourists, the Balearics have taken the bold decision to target the high end,” explains Daniel Chavarria Waschke, Managing Director of Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty. “Levels of quality, the calibre of hotel stock and prices have all gone in an upward direction and the plan has worked.  Comprising 26.16% of the total Balearic tourist market, Brits have spent 8.5% more in the Balearics in the first nine months of 2013 over last year and flight arrivals from the UK are also up 7.9% to 3,046,681 for the same period.”

As a result, serious hotel operators are now stepping up activity. Jumeirah chose Mallorca for its first foray into Spain opening five star Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in 2012. Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel has just re-opened after a nine month 13 million euro refurbishment and the golf-front Park Hyatt Mallorca is set to open in 2015. They join existing five star establishments such as the St Regis Mardavall and La Residencia by Orient-Express.

Melia Hotels International has also announced grand plans for the Balearics. Speaking this month at an event in London, Chief Executive Gabriel Escarrer said it would open two hotels next year.

Escarrer said: “We are reaffirming our commitment to the Balearic Islands, investing in the transformation of two products that will be drivers of Change to enhance our position as a holiday destination of quality.”