Decline in German tourists for Mallorca as travel trends shift in 2025

Mallorca is preparing for a quieter winter season, with a noticeable drop in visitors from Germany – traditionally the island’s most important tourist market. Industry forecasts predict a 10% decline in German arrivals compared to last year, reflecting a broader shift in European travel habits and economic caution among holidaymakers.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airline bookings from Germany to the Balearic Islands are down nearly 10% heading into winter, while the Spanish association for airline time slots (AECFA) has recorded a 13% reduction in flights to Palma. Given that over 90% of German visitors to the Balearics travel to Mallorca, the trend is expected to have a significant local impact.

Just a year ago, the picture was far brighter. The island was celebrating record German tourism numbers, with arrivals up 10% and visitors from Germany making up more than half of all foreign tourists during the low season. Now, the tables have turned.

Economic factors outweigh protests, say officials

The Balearic government has played down suggestions that anti-tourism protests have influenced the downturn. Tourism minister Jaume Bauzá said the decline was not linked to demonstrations but rather to pricing pressures and competition from more affordable destinations. He pointed to Egypt and the Canary Islands as examples of where cost-conscious travellers are heading this winter.

Bauzá cited a report by Spain’s tourism institute, Turespaña, which acknowledged that German demand is being squeezed by higher costs and changing travel preferences. The minister emphasised that while the German and British markets are both easing, other nationalities – including French, Italian and Swiss tourists – are on the rise. “Diversification is a plus for tourism in the Balearics,” he said.

Opposition politician Llorenç Pou of PSOE accused the government of being “out of touch” with the reality of market saturation, arguing that no bold action has been taken to manage visitor pressure. Bauzá responded that the previous administration’s policies were to blame for overcrowding and insisted that this summer showed “a change in trend” towards better balance.

Germans still travelling – but differently

Industry experts agree that the decline in German visitors has less to do with politics and more to do with the economy. The German Consul in Mallorca, Wolfgang Engstler, said families are facing tighter budgets and rising prices, making them more selective about travel. Likewise, Norbert Fiebig, president of the DRV travel association, noted that affordability now outweighs any concerns about destination image.

Pedro Fiol, president of Mallorca’s Aviba travel agencies association, said Germans are still travelling but “doing so differently” – taking shorter trips, spending less, and choosing lower-cost destinations with good winter weather, such as the Canary Islands.

While Mallorca’s tourism remains strong overall, the shift in the German market is expected to affect Palma’s hotels and cruise tourism, both heavily reliant on visitors from Germany. Industry observers warn that the coming months could be challenging for local businesses that depend on this core group, though diversification across other European markets offers some reassurance for the island’s broader tourism outlook.