Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera set new tourism records in 2024 as the Balearic Islands attract millions of visitors, driven by strong European demand.

The final tourism statistics for 2024 were published on Monday, confirming a record-breaking year for the Balearic Islands. A total of 18,735,675 tourists visited the region, marking an increase of nearly 900,000 visitors compared to 2023. However, despite the rise, the percentage increase of 4.9% was the lowest among Spain’s major tourist regions, including Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia.

Foreign Tourists Drive Growth in the Balearics

Out of the total visitors, 15,311,569 were international tourists, reinforcing the Balearic Islands’ status as a major global travel destination. Spain contributed 3,424,105 domestic tourists, maintaining a stable presence but showing only a slight change from the previous year.

The majority of the growth came from international markets, with many countries showing strong double-digit increases.

• Other European countries saw the highest growth rate, up 18.7% to 1,829,242 visitors.
• France recorded a notable 14.8% rise, reaching 1,122,661 visitors.
• Germany, the largest single foreign market, surged 9.2% to an all-time high of 5,029,755 tourists. This marks the first time German visitors have surpassed the five-million mark.
• Other countries outside Europe, including the USA, saw an increase of 6.4% to 787,419 visitors.

UK Tourism Declines After Strong Growth in 2023

Despite the overall increase in visitor numbers, some markets recorded declines. The United Kingdom, historically one of the top three tourist sources, saw a 3.2% decrease to 3,575,603 visitors. While the drop over the entire year was relatively small, some months experienced significant declines—July, for example, saw a 10.1% drop.

This contrasts with 2023, when British tourism to the Balearics had grown by 9.8%. The reasons for this decline could be linked to several factors, including travel costs, currency fluctuations, and changing holiday preferences among UK travelers.

Other Markets That Declined in 2024

Apart from the UK, two other European markets also saw decreases:

• The Netherlands: Down 1.9% to 701,921 visitors.
• Switzerland: Slight drop of 0.6%, totaling 494,056 visitors.

Winter Travel Trends: Germany Sees Strong Gains

Tourism in the off-season months also showed notable shifts. In December 2024, traditionally one of the quietest months, the Balearics received 296,261 tourists, a 6.2% increase compared to December 2023.

A key factor in this growth was the availability of winter flights, especially from Germany:

• German arrivals surged by 31.5% to 99,895 visitors, reflecting strong airline connectivity.
• UK visitors grew modestly by 3.5% to 17,287 travelers.
• Spanish domestic tourism remained stable, rising slightly to 113,815 visitors.

Balearic Islands vs. Other Spanish Regions

While the Balearics recorded another record-breaking year, the percentage growth of 4.9% was lower than in other major Spanish tourism destinations. Regions like Catalonia (Barcelona), the Canary Islands, and Valencia saw stronger increases, suggesting that other parts of Spain are growing faster in attracting new visitors.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Balearic Tourism in 2025?

The 2024 data suggests a strong and resilient tourism sector, with international visitors continuing to drive growth. However, some challenges remain, particularly in the UK market, which saw its first decline in recent years. As 2025 approaches, tourism authorities may focus on retaining British travelers while strengthening connections with other expanding markets like Germany, France, and the USA.

With ongoing developments in sustainable tourism, infrastructure, and flight availability, the Balearic Islands are expected to maintain their status as one of Europe’s top holiday destinations.

The post Balearic Islands Tourism Reaches New Heights In 2024 With Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, And Formentera Leading The Way appeared first on Travel And Tour World.