Latest research from Balearic Tourism highlights the growing difference in tourist profile between Mallorca and Ibiza. Whilst the typical Mallorca holidaymaker is older and chooses four-star accommodation, across in Ibiza they are getting younger and more likely to rent their lodgings.
Daniel Chavarria Waschke, Managing Director of Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty, says, “The report published in April makes for very interesting reading. Whilst Ibiza and Mallorca are very near-neighbours, separated only by 80km of sea, they are worlds apart when it comes to tourism. A sizeable 41.4% of tourists in Mallorca are over 45 years of age, in comparison to just 15% in Ibiza, showing the contrasting lifestyles and atmospheres of the Islands. We are lucky to appeal to so many tastes in such a small area.”
Glynn Evans, Managing Director of Ibiza Sotheby’s International Realty, says, “The report revealed that an enormous 81.2% of holidaymakers in Ibiza fall between 15 and 44 years of age; regular celebrity visitors such as Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss and Cesc Fabregas reinforce that age bracket. However, although they may be young, they also tend to be well-heeled. The beach club night club lifestyle is not cheap with globally renowned names such as Blue Marlin, Pacha and Privilege now joined by high-profile newcomers such as Cipriani, Nikki Beach and the Hard Rock Hotel with a 20-course 1,500-euro menu on offer at its Sublimotion restaurant. Ibiza’s a fashionable hotspot for jetsetters with fabulous beaches, rolling countryside and endless sunshine in support.”
Daniel continues, “Across in Mallorca only 50.5% of holidaymakers fall between 15 and 44 years of age, and 41.4% over 45, perhaps due to the fact that the Island has a reputation for golf. 70% of the average English golf club’s membership is over 45, so we’re a real magnet for that profile of tourist with 24 of the Balearics’ 26 golf courses located on Mallorca. Likewise, we have the Islands’ only major city, Palma, famous for its culture, architecture and high-end shopping and dining, whilst, with 17 of the Balearics 21 Blue Flag marinas, we also attract many yacht owners and sailing enthusiasts, who also tend to be more mature. Many of these tourists are property owners of the future and they closely match our buyer profiles in Mallorca and Ibiza.”
Aside from age, the Balearic Tourism report also discussed type of accommodation with 22.2% of tourists travelling to Ibiza and Formentera choosing to rent their lodgings versus just 7.2% in Mallorca. More than half of those flying to Mallorca, 50.3%, stay in hotels of four (46.6%) or five (3.7%) stars whereas that drops to less than half and 20.8% in Ibiza (18.2% in four star and 2.6% in five star) with most (53.1%) preferring three star. Finally, with regards to package holidays, 62.7% of those travelling to Mallorca prefer to have it all planned out with a package booking whilst for Ibiza this drops to 46.4%.
