Spain hopes foreign tourism can rebound to half its pre-pandemic levels this year, the government said on Monday, as a wave of German holidaymakers hit Mallorca’s white-sand beaches after Berlin eased restrictions on returnees.
Influx of German sunseekers to Spain’s Balearic Islands is providing a welcome boost to the local economy, however businesses and holidaymakers fear the revival could be cut short if Berlin reintroduces quarantine for returning tourists.
International tourism to Spain plunged 80% to 19 million visitors last year – the lowest since 1969 – as coronavirus travel restrictions took their toll on the world’s second most visited country.
“Maybe the ideal goal is … to get half of the tourists we had in 2019,” Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto told an event held by Europa Press news agency.
Estimates from the Funcas think-tank show the tourism sector’s contribution to Spain’s economy slumped to between 4% and 5% last year from around 12% in 2019, jeopardising many businesses in regions such as the Balearic Islands that depend on tourists.
With Spain’s infection rate dwindling, Germany lifted quarantine requirements for travellers returning from the Balearics last week, prompting tens of thousands to hop on last-minute flights and drawing mixed reactions from locals.
“I am happy because we live off tourism and we have to open up, but on the other hand I am worried,” said Palma de Mallorca resident Maria, who did not give her last name.
The 41-year-old banker said she was concerned that visitors were not heeding restrictions, as a group of maskless German youths cavorted past her on the beach, seemingly filming a promotional video.
“When I saw so many people without masks…it scared me a little bit.”
But Chancellor Angela Merkel is meeting with regional authorities to debate the next round of coronavirus measures, which may include quarantine for returning travellers. If that happens, this would mean the jump in tourism to Mallorca was short-lived.
“I am convinced that everything here is safe and very well organised,” 52-year old German tourist Peter, said as he was enjoying a beer in the sun in Palma de Mallorca.
Peter, who did not provide his second name, said it would be a “huge mistake” if Germany tightened travel rules again.
Spain hopes foreign tourism can rebound to half its pre-pandemic levels this year after it plunged 80% to 19 million visitors last year – the lowest since 1969.
Cristian Lafourcade, who has been awaiting the return of tourists to his German beer hall in Palma de Mallorca, said Germany’s quarantine decision was crucial.
“It’s like D-Day for the season,” he told Reuters.
Lafourcade was confident restrictions on the islands should be sufficient to contain the virus but he was concerned that some holidaymakers were unaware of the rules and urged foreign visitors to be responsible.
“For the sake of two weeks we can’t gamble the whole summer,” he said.
On the other side of the island at TUI’s Robinson Club hotel, General Manager Tina Grunold said the company aimed to guarantee a great holiday, while ensuring guests complied with strict safety regulations.
“We are extremely happy to be allowed to welcome approximately 220 guests today… Over Easter we expect a 75% occupancy rate.”
But not everyone was pleased to see the holidaymakers return.
Economic concerns aside, many Spaniards are frustrated that foreign tourists can fly to the islands when most people in mainland Spain remain stuck at home due to a travel ban. (Reuters)