The ITB fair being held in Berlin is ending with increases in bookings of up to 40% for the summer in the Balearic Islands, according to German tour operators. It will increase by 300.000 tourists.
The Government and the tourism sector have met with the main German tour operators. According to different tour operators, increases in bookings for the summer in the Balearic Islands compared to a year ago are already between 10% and 40%. German tour operators are predicting a historic high season on the islands in which German tourism will exceed pre-pandemic figures. According to DRV it will increase by 300,000 tourists compared to 2022, which according to Ibestat was 3.8 million.
Ibiza and Menorca break booking records
Ibiza is the island with the highest increase in bookings according to tour operator FTI, while DER Touristik highlights the 200% increase in Menorca. In addition, the season is getting longer. Although, on the other hand, work needs to be done to improve winter tourism.
Government meeting with German tour operators at ITB Berlin.
Alert for price rises
Although it seems that, after the pandemic, the desire to travel has returned, tour operators warn that price rises are making them less competitive. Currently, these price increases are not affecting bookings, but prices are being paid that would not otherwise be paid.
Where price can affect last-minute bookings, especially if competing destinations decide to enter into a price war. According to DER Touristik’s Western Mediterranean Area Director, Nils Lübbe, travel to Tunisia is already 25% cheaper than to the islands.
According to tour operators, when prices rise, tourists decide to cut back on travel days, not on quality. In other words, holidays are now shorter.
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