Early summer for hotels

SUMMER has come early for hotel managers in Mallorca.

Up to 88 per cent of establishments are due to open in April due to the surge in flights scheduled at Palma airport - one month earlier than in 2019, ie before Covid.

Tourism figures are much higher than usual for this time of year, with German airline TUI breaking all previous records for visitor arrivals at the island since midFebruary and bookings from the UK also at an all-time high.

According to Mallorca Hotel Federation (FEHM) vicepresident Maria Jose Aguilo, hotels will open “gradually depending on the area,” but 88 per cent will be in full operation by the end of next month, rising to 99.7 per cent in May.

Sra Aguilo said that the great summer predictions for the island are due to the “good work” done by businesses and the “proven success” of the destination, adding that the extension of the holiday campaign will have a very positive impact on employment on the island.

A total of 840 hotels offering more than 200,000 vacancies are currently part of FEHM, with Platja de Palma, Alcudia, Pollença, Cala Millor and Calvia among the most popular areas among holidaymakers.

In addition to the British, German and Spanish markets, this year is also expected to see a surge in Italian, French, Scandinavian and North American visitors, the latter thanks to the new connection by United Airlines.

PAPER recycling figures are growing steadily in Mallorca.

According to the island’s Environment department, nearly 34,300 tonnes of paper and cardboard were recycled in 2022 ­ a 14 per cent increase with regards to the previous year.

The arrival of more visitors following the dropping of Covid travel restrictions is said to be behind the increased refuse collection figures, especially considering that the largest amounts of paper and cardboard were collected in June, July and August last year.

Environment councillor

THE regional Environment department of the Balearic Islands has launched the yearly protection campaign for birds.

Efforts focus mainly on the Kentish Plover, a small shorebird that breeds on the shores of saline lakes, lagoons and coasts.

It is said to be the only wading species to nest on the shoreline of the Balearic Islands, and is classed as “under special protection” by the authorities.