Brexit And The Government Effects on Mallorca’s Economy

A couple of subjects I’ve banged on about over the last few years have made it back into the headlines in the last week. 

Firstly, it looks like Kier Starmers Labour Government is going to organise a scheme where 18 to 30-year-olds are going to be able to work in Europe for a three-year period. 

In relation to this, back in December I wrote this….

“Of the 18-24 year olds, 73% voted to remain and 27% voted to leave. Compare that to the over 65’s where 60% voted to leave and 40% voted to remain. It’s a sad fact of life that some of those over 65’s are now no longer with us, and while I respect their right to vote for what they believed in. Surely a clearer majority should have been put in place to make sure a tight result meant a second referendum? Although you have to be over 18 to vote in the UK, why weren’t the 16 and 17-year-olds at the time not given the opportunity to vote on something that would ultimately affect their future? Unless something changes they’re going to have to live with the consequences of this decision for about 70 years, and it’ll affect every area of their lives from education, to jobs and to travel.

Both the UK and the EU have suffered from an employment point of view, ever since the freedom of movement was taken away. Mallorca has suffered twice in the need for workers from both Brexit and the pandemic. Brexit has brought the lack of workers from the UK and since the pandemic, less seasonal workers from the Spanish mainland have arrived. Meaning some bars and restaurants only open for 5 days a week, and have you wondered why it’s so difficult to get a taxi in July and August?”

This is not something new, and therefore not something that is anti-Brexit. The UK already has an existing youth mobility scheme with a dozen other countries, they are, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, Taiwan and Hong Kong. So making this scheme available to young people in Europe, I can only see this as a good move. Remember, we were all young once! 

Talking of the young, the UK Government is looking to change how school holidays are taken. Now, school holidays have been another bug bear of mine ever since Michael Gove said in 2013 that children were not allowed to go on holiday during term time. When I arrived in Mallorca in 1990 there were families here from May to the end of October, without any problems. Prices were spread quite evenly throughout those months, with a rise during the popular months of July and August. After banning children from travelling out of school hours, the prices of holidays, particularly in those two months, rocketed and have increased over time. Some parents just can’t afford to take their children away at that time and choose to go during term time, and they have been fined for doing so. 

Before 2013 this wasn’t the case, and do we truly believe that kids suffered in their education? This is not about encouraging truancy, this would be an agreement between parents and teachers who lets face it is the people who should decide not a Government Minister. If the child has a good attendance record and is not behind in their work, in my view they should be encouraged to go on holiday. Seeing new countries, experiencing new cultures, hearing new languages and tasting different cuisines should be part of their education. 

Rather than look at shortening children’s holidays, I wish they would go back to how it was before. I speak for myself and probably the majority of you out there when I say, we didn’t turn out too bad, did we? 

Be A Loser!

After a few health problems, I have decided that the time is right to lose a few kilos. The idea is that this is a build up to Ayesha and I doing a 36 hour live broadcast called the Radiothon on the 9th and 10th of May. But we want more people to join us on what we believe will be a fun way to lose weight and feel better about ourselves. Between us we have put together a great team of professionals who are going to help us along the way and we have called the challenge “Be a Loser”. 

We are teaming up with “Fit Club Mallorca Gym” and Nicky at “Mallorca Wellness Hub” to create a supportive community anyone can join, enabling you to start reaching own personal well being goals.

Nicky has been a health coach for 10 years now helping people.

Using “Herbalife” nutrition products and working one to one with clients to help change small daily nutrition plans and health habits which are tailored to each individuals needs. Not only do you get great results, but you will keep the healthy habits long term to maintain that result. AND as a chef herself and big food lover Nicky’s meal plans mean never having to give up any foods and still be able to have a life!

Nicky will be giving a free and private one to one “Wellness Evaluation” in person or online so that can include people living anywhere outside of Mallorca. 

Providing personalised nutrition plans

Free access to online support

AND one to one coaching

Including a fantastic 10% discount on the all important Herbalife products.

For more information contact Nicky: https://boards.com/a/O1l3C4.3IItiI

Fit Club Mallorca gym in Son Caliu offers the best selection of high-tech fitness equipment in Mallorca and great classes for all abilities to join. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will be there to guide you and are dedicated to helping you understand how to use the equipment effectively. With our “Be a Loser” community you will also have access to the Recovery Room the ultimate sanctuary for post-workout rejuvenation, as you discover a holistic approach to recovery and elevate your fitness journey, it’s not all bad!

Achieve your fitness goals efficiently and safely with Fit Club Mallorca

Fit Club Mallorca are giving an amazing membership offer for just 75€ a month to include:

Full gym membership

No joining fee

Free protein shake on your first day

A PT induction

Unlimited access to the recovery room

That’s a super saving of 200€

To have access to this offer simply say when booking, you are with Wave Mallorca Radio Community to Be a Loser https://fitclubmallorca.com 

If you’re still not quite sure and want some more information you can always contact us studio@wavemallorca.com / +34 670 704 311

Ayesha and I invite you to join me on what will be a fun journey and I’m sure we’ll have a laugh or two along the way. 

So come on Be A Loser!

Understanding Mallorca’s Tourist Tax and Its Impact

Having seen the reports in the Spanish papers and in the Daily Bulletin, it seems that our Government here has some work to do in order to get its own house in order in regard to tourism over crowding. If you haven’t seen the story, it said that over three million people went “missing” in the tourism numbers of 2024. These were all people that didn’t pay the tourist tax, although quite a lot of them for a legitimate reason. As I said back in 2018, “. Just a thought, why isn’t the Government promoting what they are spending the Tourist Tax money on? A video on that massive screen as you come through arrivals at the airport or pictures on the walls saying “last year we raised….and this is what we have spent the money on. Keeping Mallorca the way we all love it for now and for future generations.” That message also may make people think about where they are booking their accommodation. As always, though, with any alarming headline you have to look into the detail. Apparently one million stayed in their own “second home accommodation” and a further two million stayed with family and friends or perhaps more damaging in illegal holiday lets. From what I can see, the numbers for the illegal lets are unclear, making this report inconclusive. Also remember that out of this total of three million, how many are actual tourists, and they only equate to a small percentage of the overall number of tourist visitors to the island. Other avenues will need to be looked at, but if the illegal lets were controlled more it would surely ease the situation if not greatly, at least a little?

I notice the mainland Government is thinking of lowering the drink drive limit. The maximum limit will go from 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood to 0.2, while the limit for expelled air will be reduced from 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per litre to 0.10 milligrams. Why don’t they just make it zero? It would make it a lot easier to decide whether after one drink you are actually safe to drive. Alcohol affects us in different ways and one drink for one to be over the limit, could be two drinks for another. This new measure, which will affect all drivers, is not yet in force but is expected to be implemented during the course of this year and will entail new fines for those who do not respect the established limits.

I have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages of support after we launched a new English speaking radio station this week. Wave Mallorca will broadcast from our studios in Palma across the island on 105.2 and 88.2 in Calvia. Online at www,wavemallorca.com and soon to be on all your smart speakers. Between all the presenters, we have lived for over 100 years on the island, so we should have all local, national and international news all covered. We will be very close to the community, both local and tourists, and we will be bringing back our Radiothon and Christmas charity appeals. Anybody interested in sponsoring or advertising with us should get in touch with me. 

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Margaret Whittaker, who very sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago. I had the pleasure of interviewing Margaret on a couple of occasions on the radio, and she would regularly come to our Pirates Charity Premiere, where she would always donate to the charities. I lost my Mother last year and whilst it’s tough you can always look back and remember the good times they and you had together. Rest in peace. 

Launching Wave Mallorca: A New Radio Experience

Radio has been a passion of mine since I was a child. You have to remember I’m of an age that is way before the World Wide Web, mobile phones, Social Media, YouTube and Sky TV had started. 

My go-to stations when I was younger were BBC Radio 2 for the football, Radio 1 and Capital Radio for music. My two favourite DJs were Chris Evans and Steve Wright. That’s now moved onto Talksport, BBC Radio 5 Live for the sport and Radio 2 and Virgin Radio for music. 

After spending my life working as a Redcoat, a Holiday Rep and at Pirates, I had dallied in DJing but nothing really significant. Until I was asked to go onto an island radio station called Luna Radio back in the mid 2000s. That was the catalyst to launch Radio One Mallorca back in 2012 which we sold in 2019, and I finished working with them in June 2023.

Back in February last year, I wrote the following, “Steve Wright to me was the G.O.A.T. and the King of afternoon radio. Like Terry Wogan or to me, Chris Evans was to breakfast. It’s made me think that my time in radio isn’t over just yet. A better work, health and family balance and I will be back in the future.” 

So after a short stint on Radio One Mallorca just before Christmas, my colleague Jo and I decided it was time to open our own radio station and I will be back on breakfast on our new station Wave Mallorca from this Monday. 

The station will have a dynamic mix of current and classic hits. We will look to embrace the local community with our presenters and DJ’s, Des Mitchell, Izzy Newman, Charles Nutter plus Jo and me of course. All of us have lived on the island for over 25 years, so we will bring you all the local news and events. I am really pleased that my former Radio Wife Ayesha Wood will be back with me at least once a week on the breakfast show. 

With radio now readily available around the world, we will keep you all up to date wherever you’re listening with what’s happening on our island on a daily basis. 

Charity will also be a very important part of the station, that will see the return of our Radiothon which has raised just under €200,000 for good causes. Also, our Christmas campaign helping those in need here on the island. We will be happy to help promote other charity events, so please get in touch. 

If you’d like to hear about our Sponsorships, feature sponsorships, advertising campaigns, presenter reads and competition prizes. We have something to suit all budgets. Please get in touch, Call: 0034 670 704 311 or email: sales@wavemallorca.com

See you on Monday morning from 07.00! 

Future of Mallorca Tourism: Optimism and Investment

In the European tourism world, there are three main tourist fairs. The World Travel Market in London in November, Fitur in Madrid in January and the ITB in Berlin in March. These are all large-scale events where exhibitors from travel, hospitality, and cultural sectors convene to showcase their services and products.

So the great and the good from the travel world here in Mallorca have returned from Madrid, and I was wondering what was the message they returned with. 

After speaking to a few of them, the main answer I got was “optimism”. 

One of the main problems the Government need to address is the sustainability of the Islands and how they are going to do that yet still reap the economic benefits.

President Marga Prohens announced that 1.12 billion euros is to be spent on tourism sustainability and modernisation in the Balearics.

The slogan for the campaign is ‘the reason is you’ and the strategy is to make the Balearics a benchmark in tourism sustainability. The money will come from the EU next generation funds and the tourist tax – respectively 260 million euros and 860 million euros of tourist tax revenue raised since 2016.

Being an island, we rely on people arriving by air and sea, so is it any wonder the amount of investment in our airport and ports?

Many airlines are increasing their seat capacities. One of them United Airlines from the United States, will increase its direct flights from Palma to New York by more than 50%. A route between the two cities that will also remain in operation until the 24th of October, an extra month on last year.

Anybody travelling through Palma Airport this winter will have seen the massive investment in the infrastructure. Now, I imagine this is being put in place to improve the customer journey, but without doubt it is also preparing for an increase in passenger numbers. 

Back in 2021 there was a 5-year agreement signed to limit the size and number of cruise ships visiting Palma. Whilst there are fewer ships and passengers compared to 2019, the numbers are still high. In 2025, 541 cruise ships are scheduled for Palma. The total number of passengers is put at 1.8 million. By comparison with 2024 there will be 47 more ships and 41,000 more passengers. 

According to Ibestat the passengers that disembark “only spend €35 on the island”. Only? That’s not a bad per head for a person spending less than a day here. That 63 million euros I am sure is welcome. What isn’t taken into account is the employment this all creates and the other revenue such as coaches, taxis and the companies restocking those ships. I would also wager a bet that a certain percentage of those 1.8 million visitors will return to the island for another holiday. 

You may wonder why the Club de Mar and the Paseo Maritimo in Palma are being revamped? Like the airport, I imagine this has been to not only improve the area for residents but preparing for greater numbers arriving at the port. 

1 in 5 people in the Balearics work in Tourism, we all know someone who is involved in that Industry. Tourism both directly and indirectly contributes between 40% and 50% of the Balearic Island’s total GDP. Mallorca continues to face major challenges in terms of making tourism more sustainable while at the same time safeguarding their economic interests.

Exploring Family-Friendly Travel: Center Parcs to Cancun

We returned from our Christmas break last week with our batteries recharged and ready for what 2025 has to offer. 

Christmas with the family is a must-do for us every year, although tinged with some sadness this year after the passing of my Mother. We stayed at Center Parcs in Woburn for the beginning part of our break. If you’re not familiar with them, they are a holiday resort brand offering family-friendly short breaks in natural forested settings. Operating several holiday villages across the UK, each designed to provide a tranquil escape while offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. What I love about them is they are so big that you never see a lot of people at any one particular time, and that they are car free. 

I say this every year and I will keep on saying it, Center Parcs would be perfect for Mallorca and particularly to help promote the winter months here. One highlight of our trip every year is going to see our team the Arsenal play and as usual tickets were hard to come by but a good friend of ours managed to sort them for us. At the time of the game, we were staying at the Premier Inn in Gatwick Airport, in preparation for our holiday abroad. So we caught the Gatwick Express to Victoria and then the Tube to Arsenal. We booked our tickets on the Train Line App and halved the cost that we would have paid by paying at the station. 

Our holiday was booked through TUI, who we’ve travelled with for quite a few years now. We find the choice and prices they offer particularly on long haul holidays are usually the best compared to say Virgin or BA. Interestingly, we flew with BA to our destination, which was Cancún in Mexico. We were booked into the Grand Palladium Select, situated in Costa Mujeres. Approximately 45 minutes from the airport. The Palladium Hotel Group is a well-known Spanish hotel chain established in the late 1960s. It operates a diverse portfolio of luxury and all-inclusive properties across several brands, catering to various types of travellers, including families, couples, and adults-only guests. Headquartered in Ibiza, Spain, the group is part of the Matutes Group, a family-owned conglomerate with interests in tourism and real estate. On Ibiza they own some of the most iconic brands including Ushuaia, Hi Ibiza and Privilege Nghtcub. Here in Mallorca, they own the BH complex in Magaluf that they’ve turned into a huge family complex in partnership with Fergus Hotels. 

Palladium aren’t the only Balearic based hotel company with interests in long haul destinations. Melia, Riu and Iberostar are well represented, and it makes you wonder that one of the reasons why the Balearics suffers during the winter months could be their concentration on their long haul offerings. 

Another Balearic business situated at our hotel was the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy. It opened in 2018 and provides excellent tennis facilities for the guests at the hotel. 

All in all it was a lovely relaxing holiday and the Mexican people are very friendly, polite and hard-working. 

One thing I noticed on the way home was, why is it that long haul flights are always such a mess at the end? There is rubbish everywhere, and having flown on many a low-cost flight and see how they keep their flights as clean as possible. Why can’t the long haul flights do the same? 

Freedom Of Movement

Back in May, I wrote this;

“The 23rd of June 2016 was a day when the older generation in the UK totally changed the landscape for the younger generation. It was the day that Brexit became a reality and unfortunately, just over half of the population believed the spin of vote leave campaign more than the spin of vote remain. One of the driving forces for vote leave was immigration, and by taking away the freedom of movement they said the UK would get their borders back. Well that went well didn’t it!

On the one hand, all it has done is to drive the people to take much riskier ways of getting to the UK. And on the other hand, it has denied the younger generation all over Europe, the freedom to travel and work abroad. 

Why is the UK Government so obsessed with denying people the freedom to travel? It seems they and those who voted for Brexit forgot they were young once and decided it is best that they deny the same opportunities to younger people.”

Of the 18-24 year olds, 73% voted to remain and 27% voted to leave. Compare that to the over 65’s where 60% voted to leave and 40% voted to remain. It’s a sad fact of life that some of those over 65’s are now no longer with us, and while I respect their right to vote for what they believed in. Surely a clearer majority should have been put in place to make sure a tight result meant a second referendum? Although you have to be over 18 to vote in the UK, why weren’t the 16 and 17-year-olds at the time not given the opportunity to vote on something that would ultimately affect their future? Unless something changes they’re going to have to live with the consequences of this decision for about 70 years, and it’ll affect every area of their lives from education, to jobs and to travel.

Both the UK and the EU have suffered from an employment point of view, ever since the freedom of movement was taken away. Mallorca has suffered twice in the need for workers from both Brexit and the pandemic. Brexit has brought the lack of workers from the UK and since the pandemic, less seasonal workers from the Spanish mainland have arrived. Meaning some bars and restaurants only open for 5 days a week, and have you wondered why it’s so difficult to get a taxi in July and August? 

Rumours are abound in Westminster that the Government have set up a task force to forge closers ties with our former EU partners. One of the topics is the freedom of movement for 18-30 year olds. I don’t understand anyone who would deny anyone of any age their freedom of movement, particularly if it was to go somewhere looking for work. But if it means our children can enjoy the same freedom as I and many others did, then I am all for it. 

A Catch Up With Juan Antonio Amengual The Mayor Of Calvia

On the 16th of December 2022, I was asked by a good friend to have a coffee with a friend of his in Portals Nous. He explained that the person I was meeting was an ex-hotelier who had become a consultant in the Tourist industry, and he was the prospective leader for the PP political party in Calvia to become the Mayor. Juan Antonio Amengual was his name and he was asking me through the radio and my blog to help push the ‘foreign voters’ into registering themselves in order that they were able to vote in the upcoming local elections in May 2023. He wasn’t pushing them to vote for him at the time but at least to get registered as the cut off to be registered was in January, 5 months before the actual elections! Juan Antonio was very clever as he knew that 30% of the population in Calvia were foreign voters and if registered to vote that would give him a better opportunity to win. 

When it came to the elections in May 2023, the PP increased their vote share to win 3 more seats than they did previously, and they then entered into a coalition with Vox to gain overall control of Calvia by just one seat.  When you go back over the numbers you see that of the 52,458 population, 31,549 (60%) were registered to vote. Of that number that were registered to vote, only 17,384 (55%) actually did. When you look at the number of people registered to vote against the overall population, just a third (33%) of the population actually bothered. Which in all honesty and despite the push to vote, the overall turnout was poor. Of those figures, I don’t know how many were from the non-Spanish voters. 

Last week, I interviewed Juan Antonio to look back on his first 18 months in power. One thing I admire about him is he gets himself around. There isn’t an event in the municipality that he misses, judging by the pictures on social media. He tells me that he seriously hasn’t had a holiday in those 18 months, plus the 6 months of campaigning, and he is looking forward to a break at Christmas. But he is rightfully proud of his team and the pushing out of their manifesto pledges. He stresses his most important project is to extend the season and I noticed a quote this week from the outgoing President of the Hoteliers Association Maria Frontera, who said that “Public authorities are content with having services open for six or seven months”. Not in Calvia says Juan Antonio, he is looking to extend the season for as long as it’s possible. The message they gave at the World Travel Market was ‘one Tourist, one friend’ and that despite the tourism protests in the summer, tourists are definitely welcome in Calvia all year round. The first phase of the new promenade in Magaluf has started at a cost of €5 million and the second phase funding has just been secured for the winter of 2025/26. There is an amazing opportunity to showcase all that is happening in Calvia and especially Magaluf when the ABTA conference comes to town in October next year. The Travel Convention is attended by decision makers, influencers and opinion formers spanning the full breadth of the mainstream and specialist travel sector; from tour operators and cruise lines, to hotels, airlines and all types of travel retailer. It is also attended by travel industry specialists, from accountants and lawyers to technology providers and marketing experts. Approximately 75% of the attendees are ABTA Members or Partners.

The event attracts more leading journalists from the UK national, consumer and travel trade press than any other UK travel industry event held overseas, creating significant coverage of the event.

Delegate numbers for The Travel Convention are capped at around 600, to provide delegates with a high quality event and networking experience. So as you can see it’s a perfect opportunity for Mallorca, Calvia and Magaluf to promote themselves and that is not lost on Juan Antonio.

At the end of the interview, he encourages everyone to attend the many fiestas that are happening through the holidays. Details of which can be found on the council’s website https://www.calvia.comThe full interview with Juan Antonio can be found at https://www.facebook.com/RadioOneMallorca 

He wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

As this is my last column before Christmas and the New Year, I would also like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. 

Shop Locally This Christmas

I’ve put together some ideas to make your Christmas a little easier. Whether you’re looking for some ideas for gifts or some deals from proven quality suppliers on the island, you should read on. 

The tanning product that has taken TikTok by storm and has over 100,000 followers on Instagram. 2BTanned is a premium tanning brand dedicated to helping you achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow. Offering a range of high-quality tanning products, including accelerators and bronzers, 2BTanned delivers a deep, natural-looking tan with ease. Their formulas are designed to enhance your tanning experience, whether indoors on a sunbed or outdoors on the beach, for a radiant finish every time. Quite simply, the ultimate confidence boost which will make a great Christmas present or stocking filler. 

Items available to buy are;

Lip Gloss €10

100ml cream €10

200ml cream €20

Face creams €15

Gels €20

They can make up some Christmas bundles too if you wish. 

You can place an order on what’s app (0034) 692 920 017 or email julie@square1limited.com, and they can deliver them to you here on the island before December 20th. 

Simon at Bespoke Provisioning studied for 3 years training at Chefs school, which included becoming a fully fledged butcher and fishmonger. 

You may remember him from the Escape bar in Palma, which he ran for 16 years. When he left the bar he started The Meat & Fish Society which has now become Bespoke Provisioning. They specialise in the highest quality meat and fish, fully trimmed, cut, filleted, vacuum packed and labelled and delivered on time. They deliver to Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca (fixed rates to Ibiza and Menorca so no surprises) Simon has cheffed for Queen drummer Roger Taylor on his new yacht ‘Rock n Roll’ and has cooked at countless events. 

As yacht provisioning is a little quieter at this time of year, he has some special festive offerings for Christmas. Whole organic Turkeys and gammon joints in various sizes, with a special offer of a 6kg Turkey with a 4kg gammon for €100. He can also offer other meats and fish, including geese, a rib roast or smoked salmon and even caviar. 

Simon has very kindly offered a 5% discount on all of his products if you use the code Richie Xmas. 

For more information, please call or WhatsApp Simon on 619 593 387. Facebook 

“the meat and fish society” for pictures, videos and general information. 

And you can Email him on sales@mn2v.co

Stuck what to buy someone this Christmas? Why not treat them to a sightseeing helicopter trip or get them a voucher for a trip or a voucher to go towards a trip?

Without doubt, one of the best ways to see Mallorca or one of our other islands is from a helicopter. It gives you a totally different perspective of the Balearics rather than driving around in a car or an excursion by coach. The Helicopter Center has over 20 years of experience to make flying a pleasure whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety.

They offer pleasure flights around our idyllic island, an island hop between Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, or you could indulge in their ultimate helicopter dining package. Which I have been lucky enough to experience. We flew from Son Bonet down to the South West coast and up through the beautiful mountainous West coast. Passing Richard Branson’s estate and the stunning villa of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. We landed at the 5-star hotel Son Brull, surrounded by 32 hectares of vineyards, orchards and centuries-old olive trees, just 2 km from the town of Pollença and 6 km from the sea. This historic 18th century monastery is the perfect place to enjoy a lunch and a bottle of Mallorca wine (lunch not included). We then flew back through the centre of the island, passing the reservoirs and the capital city of Palma. 

Stewart has very kindly offered a 5% discount on all flights and vouchers if you use the code Richie1.

For more information please go to http://www.thehelicoptercentre.com email info@thehelicoptercentre.com or call 0034 638 603 197

In my opinion, no Christmas is complete until you get yourself a tree. Not a fake one for me, it has to be real. A few years ago, I met a guy called Quentin who was bringing Christmas trees over to Mallorca from a farm in Denmark. 

Their arborists (aka tree surgeons to you and I) have been growing and selling the highest quality, most sustainable and durable Nordmann fir Christmas Trees since the industry commenced in Denmark in the early 70s. Their philosophy has always been to produce quality over quantity, whereby the ethical treatment of the workers, the earth and the clients is always respected and maintained, these are the values which are essential to their organisation. For every 10 trees they cut, they replant 14. 

When I last spoke to Quentin, he didn’t have too many trees left, but has very kindly offered a 5% discount on the last few trees if you quote the code Richie Tree.

Delivery, stands and branches for decorations are available for an extra cost. 

For more information, please visit http://www.mallorcachristmastrees.com 

Mallorca Christmas Trees on Facebook and Instagram or call or what’s app 

658 342 941.

I totally believe in buying and helping local businesses at this time of year. All of the above I count as friends who have always helped when I’ve asked for help with charity events. Rest assured, they are all professional people that have lived and worked in Mallorca for as long as I have. 

Ryanair Holidays

My life in Tourism began in the mid-eighties when I worked for Butlins holiday hotels as a Redcoat. My experience there led me to start work overseas here in Mallorca in 1990. I was a Holiday Rep for Intasun Holidays, working at the Guadalupe Hotel for my first season. At that time, there were loads of UK Tour Operators. Intasun were under the ILG banner which also included Global, Lancaster, Club 1830, Sol Holidays and the airline Air Europe. Their main rival was Thomson, who had Skytours, Horizon and their own airline called Brittania. There are lots of others too including, Cosmos, Owners Abroad (First Choice), Airtours and Thomas Cook. 

Remember, all this was before the internet was invented, so people booked their holidays with a travel agent or on teletext (remember that!) Low-cost airlines weren’t around at that time, although interestingly a company called Skytrain took to the air for the first time on 26 September 1977 when their inaugural flight departed London Gatwick for New York JFK. This flight carried 272 passengers on one of the airline’s 345-seat McDonnell Douglas DC-10 wide bodied aircraft. The fares charged at the time were £59 (equivalent to £463 in 2024) one-way from London and $135 (equivalent to £1,059 in 2024) one-way from New York. It makes we wonder why the owner Sir Freddie Laker decided to take on British Airways and the large American carriers at that time to fly long haul. When surely it would have been cheaper and more economical to fly short haul? He went bust five years later. 

Ryanair had been in existence since 1984 but by the mid 1990s it had become a big player in the European low-cost market, they were followed In 1996 by EasyJet with their first European flights. Both of these airlines began to totally change the way we travel and giving people the opportunity to arrange their own holidays. Interestingly starting in 1996 in Amsterdam, was Booking.com who have grown from a small Dutch start-up to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. On the back of both Ryanair and Easyjet. 

This then led to there being fewer Tour Operators, and they started to buy each other up. The biggest mergers were in 2007 when Thomas Cook partnered with My Travel and Tui partnered with First Choice. 

2007 also saw the emergence of Jet2 Holidays who had mainly been a flight only and freight company before that. 

Fast-forward to today, and the travel landscape is very different. 

The Leading ATOL-licensed tour operators in the United Kingdom as of February 2024, ranked by number of passengers licensed, with figures from Statista are;

  1. Jet2 Holidays 
  2. TUI UK
  3. Love Holidays 
  4. Booking.com
  5. EasyJet Holidays

With all the consolidation in the holiday market there is one name that’s missing in that Tour Operating top five. Ryanair have so far resisted the temptation to delve into the package holiday market. Interestingly, though, in January this year they agreed a new partnership with Love Holidays for its customers who wish to book low-cost package holidays. This deal allows Love Holidays customers to buy Ryanair flights, seats, and bags as part of their love holidays package at Ryanair’s low prices.

Don’t be surprised to see Ryanair take that partnership further by buying Love Holidays or another online travel agent and launching Ryanair Holidays. It seems the natural way forward and having seen what EasyJet have done, I’m sure they won’t be far behind.