Maria Buades, Pollensa's tourism councillor, was recently photographed when she appeared to be on the point of being blown into the bay of Pollensa by a force eight gale, closely followed by plans that she was studying with the mayor and a chap from the Costas Authority. And had these plans flown off, they might by now have been washed up on a French beach.
Doubtless, these plans were not written in French, but stuff in French partly explains why Maria is under fire from the opposition in Pollensa (by which and typically one means the Alternativa party). It would like to know why town hall publications are now to be in French and not in Russian. There are a number of reasons why, says Maria, but before coming to these, perhaps one might ask why it has taken this long for there to be publications in French, as French can often be heard around Pollensa. Heard but not seen, as in town hall literature. Until now.
But to cut to the Russian chase, the Alternativa has been pointing out that other resorts in the area have been adopting measures to meet the demands of the great Russian tourism invasion. What is happening, Russian-wise, in Pollensa? Nada. Rien. Or better still, neesh-toh.
The Alternativa has been doing its tourism homework. Russian tourism to the Balearics is set to increase by 30% this summer, it says, and so Pollensa should be there in the queue with its publicity material, making every effort to attract Russian tourists. It has called on Maria to pull her finger out (the Catalan expression is to put some batteries in) and get cyrillicising all that literature about Puerto Pollensa's pine trees and velvety white sands and Pollensa town's 365 steps.
Maria's explanations for her non-insertion of batteries mainly have to do with the British. There is very little room at the inns this summer on account of the British getting in the way and clogging up hotel places. While it is true that Puerto Pollensa's tourism remains overwhelmingly British, should there not be a touch of forward planning in seeking to attract Russians? And if it is the case that it is British dominance which makes the production of literature in Russian less than a priority, why bother producing it in French? Ce n'est pas logique, capitaine.
Maria has also said that Russian tourists are only interested in sun and beach holidays, though why this should be a reason for not having publications in Russian is not clear. Russian tourists are not unique in this regard; all tourists from wherever they come are predominantly interested in sun and beach. The Alternativa disagrees with this assessment, implying that literature should reflect cultural and shopping opportunities, as the Russians are mad keen on these.
Both Maria and the Alternativa are right while they are both also wrong. They are working on the basis of generalities that are no more than generalities. The key issue, and to be fair to Maria she does seem to have cottoned on to this fact, is that Russian tourism is at present almost exclusively organised through tour operators, and it is what tour operators offer which determines types of holiday, types of accommodation and the holiday resorts.
Russian tour operators, in the style of their marketing, are no different to their British counterparts. Typical promotional images are of sun and beach. It is these which sell in moving tourists en masse; the new Russian family mass tourism. And these tour operators are dictating to this Russian tourism where it will be based and in what type of hotel. Playa de Muro, more so than either Can Picafort or Alcúdia, has cornered the local Russian market because it has a greater ratio of hotel stock that matches what Russian tour operators want and what Russian tourists are said to want: high quality and ultra-modern, to say nothing of an all-inclusive offer.
Puerto Pollensa simply doesn't have either the volume of hotels or the right type of hotel (right in matching what we are led to believe is the Russian tourist's preference), so in fact, Maria may well be correct in not bothering with literature in Russian, as the Russians won't be coming any time soon.
But where Maria may be wrong is in not seeing how this Russian tourism might develop and shift its preferences. It will become more independent, it will look for accommodation and holiday experiences different to hotel luxury alone. It will come into Pollensa even if it is not staying there, and it will see an alternative. Which really, I guess, is what the Alternativa is getting at.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Showing posts with label Russian tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russian tourism. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
History Repeating Itself?: Russian tourism
During the early years of what came to be mass tourism in Mallorca, a number of factors coalesced in order to bring about this massive foreign invasion. While there were general factors, such as economic growth in Europe and advances in air transport and infrastructure, internal Spanish factors were equally as important. Hotel developments had to be of a more sophisticated order so as to match expectations of this wealthier foreign market. They were assisted by the system of hotel credit as well as by foreign investment that the Franco regime no longer spurned. There were currency adjustments in order to attract much-needed foreign exchange and there were also liftings of visa requirements.
Between 1960 and the shock of the oil crisis of 1973, tourism to Mallorca grew at a staggering rate. In 1960, just over 350,000 tourists came to Mallorca. By 1973, the figure was almost three million. Nowadays that figure has all but trebled, but it is those early years which are particularly instructive when one considers what might just prove to be the second great wave of foreign tourism - Russian.
At the meeting in Palma this week between the national tourism secretary-of-state Isabel Borrego, President Bauzá and Russian tour operators, it was emphasised that Russian tourism has become a priority, both for Mallorca's tourist industry and Spain's. Reflecting this priority, Bauzá will attend the Moscow travel fair next month. His will not be the first visit by a Balearics president; his predecessor, Francesc Antich, also made a point of going to Moscow.
Russian tourism to Mallorca still only accounts for a relatively small percentage of total tourism. The around 100,000 tourists to the whole of the Balearics during 2012 are dwarfed by the numbers of British and German tourists, to say nothing of French, Italians and Scandinavians. But it is the potential growth of Russian tourism that makes that market a priority. If the current growth pattern were to continue, by 2020 there could be a million Russian tourists coming to Mallorca: a ten-fold increase, just as there was a ten-fold increase in total tourism between 1960 and 1973.
There are similarities between those early years and what is now happening. A more affluent and growth economy (that of Russia) meets improved air links (and the regional government is particularly keen for there to be more air routes in the off-season) meets more sophisticated hotel development meets high-spending foreign exchange providers meets visa restrictions being lifted: Spain is applying pressure on the European Union to remove the need for tourist visas.
Of these factors, hotel development (and also resort development) is one of the more intriguing. The Russian market, as we have been told repeatedly, has a certain expectation. It is one that is more inclined towards the luxury end of the market. Has this expectation been the real motivation for shaking hoteliers out of their years of stupor and for making the regional government bring about legislation that enables hotel and resort modernisation? If it hasn't been, there is nevertheless the enormous coincidence of hoped-for riches from a new market.
One can see for oneself how the priority is manifesting itself. In Magalluf, the first language on signs that might once have been English or Spanish is now Russian. Would in fact the developments in Magalluf have been so rapidly undertaken had it not been for the expectations of this Russian market?
Magalluf is only one resort. To accommodate the fast growth of Russian tourism with its specific requirements, other resorts have to adapt. But the question is how. There isn't the factor of the hotel credit as was the case in the early years. There isn't any credit full stop, but there is seemingly little shortage of actual and potential foreign investment. The developments in Canyamel and Sa Rapita would draw heavily on overseas cash. Those which might yet emerge, such as one in Puerto Pollensa, would probably also draw on foreign money. Financing isn't necessarily the issue therefore. What is, as has been highlighted in Magalluf, is the issue of planning - urban planning to allow for the resort upgrade and probably also strategic planning to meet the challenges created by the new Russian market.
But when it comes to strategy, what are the consequences of this new market? Is it envisaged that total tourism numbers will simply grow? If so, where are all the tourists going to stay? The regional government has denied that there will be a reversion to the sixties and all manner of new developments. If there aren't, then something has to give. And is what gives the current size of traditional tourism markets? Like the British?
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Between 1960 and the shock of the oil crisis of 1973, tourism to Mallorca grew at a staggering rate. In 1960, just over 350,000 tourists came to Mallorca. By 1973, the figure was almost three million. Nowadays that figure has all but trebled, but it is those early years which are particularly instructive when one considers what might just prove to be the second great wave of foreign tourism - Russian.
At the meeting in Palma this week between the national tourism secretary-of-state Isabel Borrego, President Bauzá and Russian tour operators, it was emphasised that Russian tourism has become a priority, both for Mallorca's tourist industry and Spain's. Reflecting this priority, Bauzá will attend the Moscow travel fair next month. His will not be the first visit by a Balearics president; his predecessor, Francesc Antich, also made a point of going to Moscow.
Russian tourism to Mallorca still only accounts for a relatively small percentage of total tourism. The around 100,000 tourists to the whole of the Balearics during 2012 are dwarfed by the numbers of British and German tourists, to say nothing of French, Italians and Scandinavians. But it is the potential growth of Russian tourism that makes that market a priority. If the current growth pattern were to continue, by 2020 there could be a million Russian tourists coming to Mallorca: a ten-fold increase, just as there was a ten-fold increase in total tourism between 1960 and 1973.
There are similarities between those early years and what is now happening. A more affluent and growth economy (that of Russia) meets improved air links (and the regional government is particularly keen for there to be more air routes in the off-season) meets more sophisticated hotel development meets high-spending foreign exchange providers meets visa restrictions being lifted: Spain is applying pressure on the European Union to remove the need for tourist visas.
Of these factors, hotel development (and also resort development) is one of the more intriguing. The Russian market, as we have been told repeatedly, has a certain expectation. It is one that is more inclined towards the luxury end of the market. Has this expectation been the real motivation for shaking hoteliers out of their years of stupor and for making the regional government bring about legislation that enables hotel and resort modernisation? If it hasn't been, there is nevertheless the enormous coincidence of hoped-for riches from a new market.
One can see for oneself how the priority is manifesting itself. In Magalluf, the first language on signs that might once have been English or Spanish is now Russian. Would in fact the developments in Magalluf have been so rapidly undertaken had it not been for the expectations of this Russian market?
Magalluf is only one resort. To accommodate the fast growth of Russian tourism with its specific requirements, other resorts have to adapt. But the question is how. There isn't the factor of the hotel credit as was the case in the early years. There isn't any credit full stop, but there is seemingly little shortage of actual and potential foreign investment. The developments in Canyamel and Sa Rapita would draw heavily on overseas cash. Those which might yet emerge, such as one in Puerto Pollensa, would probably also draw on foreign money. Financing isn't necessarily the issue therefore. What is, as has been highlighted in Magalluf, is the issue of planning - urban planning to allow for the resort upgrade and probably also strategic planning to meet the challenges created by the new Russian market.
But when it comes to strategy, what are the consequences of this new market? Is it envisaged that total tourism numbers will simply grow? If so, where are all the tourists going to stay? The regional government has denied that there will be a reversion to the sixties and all manner of new developments. If there aren't, then something has to give. And is what gives the current size of traditional tourism markets? Like the British?
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
The Tourist's Revenge
The national tourism minister, José Manuel Soria, would like to see more developments similar to Eurovegas. He would like to see such developments in the Canary Islands in particular, something you might expect him to say; he is the former president of the islands.
Soria is in a difficult position. His association with the Canaries makes him susceptible to accusations of bias. But in calling for a Eurovegas-style creation in the Canaries, he is recognising the stasis that exists on the islands with regard to new development. The economic situation is not the sole reason for inactivity out in the Atlantic. A further one is attempting to find a sensible compromise between doing anything that would upset sustainable development on the Canaries, i.e. doing absolutely nothing, and unbridled permissiveness. So heightened have been environmental sensibilities in the Canaries that the director of the islands employment service was sacked after having had the audacity to suggest that, as unemployment was so high but that there was so much demand for tourism, consideration should be given to building more accommodation.
Though the Balearics are hardly enjoying a period of feverish development, the contrast here with the Canaries is striking. Opponents of developments can argue that the Balearic Government is hastening the arrival of the new environmental Armageddon, but in citing regional interests as a justification for activity in Magalluf, Canyamel and Sa Rapita (for starters), the government is prepared to throw off the shackles of what has amounted to a virtual self-imposed economic blockade, one created by the inertia-inducing troika of leftist political parties, the eco-warriors and the idealistic Luddite tendency of romantic Catalanist agrarian patrimony.
Soria, in outlining the national plan for tourism, has defended the need to diversify the tourist offer and has also defended the national government's reformed coasts law. Eurovegas is an example of this diversification, designed to reduce dependence on sun and beach tourism and on the summer season. The coasts law, far from being a speculator's charter for unchecked coastal vandalism, has been a largely sensible response to the unfairness of the 1988 act. Even national plans, though, can run up against regional barriers. These have well and truly been erected in the Canaries, but in the Balearics there is a will to pull some if not all of them down.
Where the national government and the Balearics regional government face difficulty is in confronting an attitude that is both parochial and anti-modernity. This is an attitude that isn't solely confined to the usual suspects on the left, it is also one of current officialdom. The head of the Balearics tax agency, in responding to the row over the tax for hire cars, has implied that Mallorca would be better off without these cars in order that Mallorcans could head off to the beaches in peace. It is a most extraordinary observation but it captures the essence of objections to new tourism development. Opposition to Sa Rapita-Es Trenc has been founded, to no small extent, on a desire to keep Es Trenc for the Mallorcans, and only the Mallorcans, a laudable enough wish but not when it flies in the face of the need for badly needed economic activity in a key industry - tourism - that has suffered from a lack of investment and has so seen its competitiveness eroded by newer destinations.
Gabriel Escarrer of Meliá Hotels has said that "the cost of doing nothing was too great". Yet doing nothing has been the preferred option. Until now. Meliá's prescription for Magalluf is an excellent example of urban tourist redevelopment, and more is the pity that there are not similar concentrations of a single hotel chain's establishments in other mature resorts that might easily permit other Magallufs.
The governments in Madrid and Palma have appreciated the need for greater liberalism in the tourism sector, but of the reasons for embarking on development, the emergence of new tourism markets, especially the Russian market, has been a major impulse behind much of this liberalism. The desire to capture this affluent and huge market is fair enough, but it speaks volumes for the way in which traditional tourism markets - British, German, Scandinavian - have been taken for granted for way too long. An attitude of complacent insularity combined with inertia and the wish for Mallorcans to go to the beaches in peace has meant the kind of stasis that the Canaries are experiencing. It has taken the Russian invasion to wake some people up, and with the Russians comes a new reality for tourism, one that attacks the former lethargy and complacent attitude. It is a new reality that is the tourist's revenge for having been taken for granted.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Soria is in a difficult position. His association with the Canaries makes him susceptible to accusations of bias. But in calling for a Eurovegas-style creation in the Canaries, he is recognising the stasis that exists on the islands with regard to new development. The economic situation is not the sole reason for inactivity out in the Atlantic. A further one is attempting to find a sensible compromise between doing anything that would upset sustainable development on the Canaries, i.e. doing absolutely nothing, and unbridled permissiveness. So heightened have been environmental sensibilities in the Canaries that the director of the islands employment service was sacked after having had the audacity to suggest that, as unemployment was so high but that there was so much demand for tourism, consideration should be given to building more accommodation.
Though the Balearics are hardly enjoying a period of feverish development, the contrast here with the Canaries is striking. Opponents of developments can argue that the Balearic Government is hastening the arrival of the new environmental Armageddon, but in citing regional interests as a justification for activity in Magalluf, Canyamel and Sa Rapita (for starters), the government is prepared to throw off the shackles of what has amounted to a virtual self-imposed economic blockade, one created by the inertia-inducing troika of leftist political parties, the eco-warriors and the idealistic Luddite tendency of romantic Catalanist agrarian patrimony.
Soria, in outlining the national plan for tourism, has defended the need to diversify the tourist offer and has also defended the national government's reformed coasts law. Eurovegas is an example of this diversification, designed to reduce dependence on sun and beach tourism and on the summer season. The coasts law, far from being a speculator's charter for unchecked coastal vandalism, has been a largely sensible response to the unfairness of the 1988 act. Even national plans, though, can run up against regional barriers. These have well and truly been erected in the Canaries, but in the Balearics there is a will to pull some if not all of them down.
Where the national government and the Balearics regional government face difficulty is in confronting an attitude that is both parochial and anti-modernity. This is an attitude that isn't solely confined to the usual suspects on the left, it is also one of current officialdom. The head of the Balearics tax agency, in responding to the row over the tax for hire cars, has implied that Mallorca would be better off without these cars in order that Mallorcans could head off to the beaches in peace. It is a most extraordinary observation but it captures the essence of objections to new tourism development. Opposition to Sa Rapita-Es Trenc has been founded, to no small extent, on a desire to keep Es Trenc for the Mallorcans, and only the Mallorcans, a laudable enough wish but not when it flies in the face of the need for badly needed economic activity in a key industry - tourism - that has suffered from a lack of investment and has so seen its competitiveness eroded by newer destinations.
Gabriel Escarrer of Meliá Hotels has said that "the cost of doing nothing was too great". Yet doing nothing has been the preferred option. Until now. Meliá's prescription for Magalluf is an excellent example of urban tourist redevelopment, and more is the pity that there are not similar concentrations of a single hotel chain's establishments in other mature resorts that might easily permit other Magallufs.
The governments in Madrid and Palma have appreciated the need for greater liberalism in the tourism sector, but of the reasons for embarking on development, the emergence of new tourism markets, especially the Russian market, has been a major impulse behind much of this liberalism. The desire to capture this affluent and huge market is fair enough, but it speaks volumes for the way in which traditional tourism markets - British, German, Scandinavian - have been taken for granted for way too long. An attitude of complacent insularity combined with inertia and the wish for Mallorcans to go to the beaches in peace has meant the kind of stasis that the Canaries are experiencing. It has taken the Russian invasion to wake some people up, and with the Russians comes a new reality for tourism, one that attacks the former lethargy and complacent attitude. It is a new reality that is the tourist's revenge for having been taken for granted.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Friday, March 23, 2012
MALLORCA TODAY - Russian tourism on the rise
The Balearics, having been established as the second most popular Spanish destination for Russian tourists, are set to receive ever more, a 30% rise in Russian tourism being anticipated this summer.
See more: Ultima Hora
See more: Ultima Hora
Monday, October 03, 2011
The Russians Aren't Coming, They've Arrived
Do you know who Alexei Mordashov is? No? Well, you should do, and so I shall tell you. His name gives a bit of the game away. Yes, he's Russian. He doesn't like being referred to as an oligarch, but that is what he is. He is the main shareholder in Severstal, Russia's largest steel company, and the 29th richest man in the world, according to the "Forbes" billionaires list. His personal wealth is said to exceed, twelve-fold, that of one of Spain's richest men, Gabriel Escarrer of Meliá Hotels International.
Mr. Mordashov, like Sr. Escarrer, has a keen interest in tourism. Mr. Mordashov owns 25.06% of TUI AG; that's TUI, the German tour operator and the most important player in tourism in Mallorca and Europe. His shareholding makes him the largest single owner of TUI shares. He intends to increase further this shareholding, though probably not beyond 30% at which point he would be obliged to make an offer for all the company's shares. He has been described as the most powerful man in Mallorca, which, for those of you who had, until now, never heard of him, might come as a surprise.
A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Mordashov did a helicopter tour of Mallorca. He dined at the Robinson Club Cala Serena in Cala d'Or, winner incidentally of first prize in TUI's "Umwelt" championship 2011 (environment to you and me). There he was joined by the man who has done more than anyone to make TUI what it now is, the company president, Michael Frenzel, and various associates of TUI, such as the head of RIU hotels which own 5.1% of TUI shares.
This other-worldliness of extreme wealth and luxury might be deemed relevant only for the celebrity or VIP pages of certain publications, but there is far greater relevance.
To describe Mr. Mordashov as Mallorca's most powerful man is not to overstate his importance. His personal power is derived from that of TUI. And TUI is the power in the land.
The past few days have been good ones for the mega rich. The Meliá plans for Magalluf could not have been conceived without very deep pockets. The money that has been directed towards Sóller and that will be sunk into Capdepera is courtesy of Dubai and Qatar. Put into the equation the vast wealth of Mr. Mordashov and a picture may be emerging; one that will have the cash-strapped regional government, minded to give the private sector its tourism industry head, salivating.
Mr. Mordashov has said that his interest in TUI is strategic, which it undoubtedly is. A shrewd businessman, a trait he shares with Herr Frenzel, he is well aware of what this strategy will involve. Russian and Ukrainian tourism, only at present in its infancy, will go massive. Last year, as an indication of Mr. Mordashov and TUI's interests, a joint venture between TUI and Severstal was launched.
The Russian overseas tourism market is only starting to realise its potential. In 2008, a mere 11.3 million Russians travelled abroad on holiday, less than a tenth of the country's population. To put this into some perspective, in 2006, 69.5 million trips abroad were made by Britons, two-thirds at least of these trips being on holiday.
Russian tourists may not be everyone's cup of tea or shot of vodka, but they tend not to be short of readies, to the point of flaunting their money. The BBC "Fast Track" show recently ran a feature on how new money (much of it Russian) was affecting an old resort in Tuscany (Forte dei Marmi). It wasn't to everyone's glass of vino. The resort had undergone a change, with luxury brand name fashion stores evident and, yes, some uncouth flaunting of wealth.
The brand names are not unsurprising, however, as Russians are said to be heavily influenced by them. In my local pharmacy the other day, a Russian man was holding a bag with a Prada label, while his wife engaged the chemist in an uncomprehending exchange. And the exchange was itself relevant. The chemist, she can speak English and German more than adequately, said that these new languages were making life very difficult.
She, though, as with many people in Mallorca, is going to have get used to the new languages. And quickly. The Russians aren't just coming, they've arrived and they are going to be arriving in far greater numbers. Mallorca will be very different in ten years time. That's what Mr. Mordashov calls strategy.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Mr. Mordashov, like Sr. Escarrer, has a keen interest in tourism. Mr. Mordashov owns 25.06% of TUI AG; that's TUI, the German tour operator and the most important player in tourism in Mallorca and Europe. His shareholding makes him the largest single owner of TUI shares. He intends to increase further this shareholding, though probably not beyond 30% at which point he would be obliged to make an offer for all the company's shares. He has been described as the most powerful man in Mallorca, which, for those of you who had, until now, never heard of him, might come as a surprise.
A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Mordashov did a helicopter tour of Mallorca. He dined at the Robinson Club Cala Serena in Cala d'Or, winner incidentally of first prize in TUI's "Umwelt" championship 2011 (environment to you and me). There he was joined by the man who has done more than anyone to make TUI what it now is, the company president, Michael Frenzel, and various associates of TUI, such as the head of RIU hotels which own 5.1% of TUI shares.
This other-worldliness of extreme wealth and luxury might be deemed relevant only for the celebrity or VIP pages of certain publications, but there is far greater relevance.
To describe Mr. Mordashov as Mallorca's most powerful man is not to overstate his importance. His personal power is derived from that of TUI. And TUI is the power in the land.
The past few days have been good ones for the mega rich. The Meliá plans for Magalluf could not have been conceived without very deep pockets. The money that has been directed towards Sóller and that will be sunk into Capdepera is courtesy of Dubai and Qatar. Put into the equation the vast wealth of Mr. Mordashov and a picture may be emerging; one that will have the cash-strapped regional government, minded to give the private sector its tourism industry head, salivating.
Mr. Mordashov has said that his interest in TUI is strategic, which it undoubtedly is. A shrewd businessman, a trait he shares with Herr Frenzel, he is well aware of what this strategy will involve. Russian and Ukrainian tourism, only at present in its infancy, will go massive. Last year, as an indication of Mr. Mordashov and TUI's interests, a joint venture between TUI and Severstal was launched.
The Russian overseas tourism market is only starting to realise its potential. In 2008, a mere 11.3 million Russians travelled abroad on holiday, less than a tenth of the country's population. To put this into some perspective, in 2006, 69.5 million trips abroad were made by Britons, two-thirds at least of these trips being on holiday.
Russian tourists may not be everyone's cup of tea or shot of vodka, but they tend not to be short of readies, to the point of flaunting their money. The BBC "Fast Track" show recently ran a feature on how new money (much of it Russian) was affecting an old resort in Tuscany (Forte dei Marmi). It wasn't to everyone's glass of vino. The resort had undergone a change, with luxury brand name fashion stores evident and, yes, some uncouth flaunting of wealth.
The brand names are not unsurprising, however, as Russians are said to be heavily influenced by them. In my local pharmacy the other day, a Russian man was holding a bag with a Prada label, while his wife engaged the chemist in an uncomprehending exchange. And the exchange was itself relevant. The chemist, she can speak English and German more than adequately, said that these new languages were making life very difficult.
She, though, as with many people in Mallorca, is going to have get used to the new languages. And quickly. The Russians aren't just coming, they've arrived and they are going to be arriving in far greater numbers. Mallorca will be very different in ten years time. That's what Mr. Mordashov calls strategy.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Happy Together? Hotel occupancy Alcúdia and Can Picafort
Following on from the mention of low occupancy in Puerto Alcudia on 8 June, some firmer figures, not just those for one establishment. The combined Alcúdia and Can Picafort hotel association reports (from "The Diario") rates similar to last year. Currently, occupancy stands at 57% in Alcúdia and 58% in Can Picafort. Not very high in other words. The forecast for July puts the numbers at 78% in Alcúdia and 72% in Can Picafort. For July, these aren't particularly impressive; indeed, they are distinctly unimpressive.
Leading lights in the association gathered for a chinwag a couple of days ago. The report from "The Diario" included a photo, featuring, among others, Juan from the Sol Alcúdia Center and Ricardo from the Siesta 1 Apartments. They looked happy enough for the camera. Not so sure that they really are.
The association approves of the regional government's attempts to attract new markets, but reckons that the push on the Russian front is unlikely to bear much fruit in either of the resorts, as the Russian market, mainly high worth, prefers four or five-star accommodation. Which does, I suppose, beg a question as to the standard, overall, of hotels in the resorts. Not, however, that there aren't four-star hotels. Relatively greater numbers of four stars and indeed two five stars are, however, in Playa de Muro. Not for the first time, I wonder why Playa de Muro hasn't combined with the associations in Alcúdia and Can Picafort, especially as Playa de Muro sits between the two other resorts. Or maybe this Russian thing gives the game away. Muro wants Russian. It already has it, and yes, they, the Russians, do go to five-star hotels.
In an attempt to drum up more business, the association has invited representatives of 25 tour operators to come along for some gentle persuasion on Friday. It will, apparently, be highlighting such wonders as the improvements to the beach in Alcúdia and the restoration of dunes, and then following it all up with a meal at Son Real, just outside Can Picafort. God, they know how to win and influence tour operators. Here are some new showers on the beach, here are some dunes with some walkways, here is a nature area where no one much goes to. I don't think we should be holding our breath. But hats off, nonetheless; at least the association is trying. Or is it desperate?
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Leading lights in the association gathered for a chinwag a couple of days ago. The report from "The Diario" included a photo, featuring, among others, Juan from the Sol Alcúdia Center and Ricardo from the Siesta 1 Apartments. They looked happy enough for the camera. Not so sure that they really are.
The association approves of the regional government's attempts to attract new markets, but reckons that the push on the Russian front is unlikely to bear much fruit in either of the resorts, as the Russian market, mainly high worth, prefers four or five-star accommodation. Which does, I suppose, beg a question as to the standard, overall, of hotels in the resorts. Not, however, that there aren't four-star hotels. Relatively greater numbers of four stars and indeed two five stars are, however, in Playa de Muro. Not for the first time, I wonder why Playa de Muro hasn't combined with the associations in Alcúdia and Can Picafort, especially as Playa de Muro sits between the two other resorts. Or maybe this Russian thing gives the game away. Muro wants Russian. It already has it, and yes, they, the Russians, do go to five-star hotels.
In an attempt to drum up more business, the association has invited representatives of 25 tour operators to come along for some gentle persuasion on Friday. It will, apparently, be highlighting such wonders as the improvements to the beach in Alcúdia and the restoration of dunes, and then following it all up with a meal at Son Real, just outside Can Picafort. God, they know how to win and influence tour operators. Here are some new showers on the beach, here are some dunes with some walkways, here is a nature area where no one much goes to. I don't think we should be holding our breath. But hats off, nonetheless; at least the association is trying. Or is it desperate?
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
The Rumour Mill: Bellevue
Rumours. It was the regularity with which rumours surrounding Bellevue in Alcúdia surface that was one of the reasons why I spoke with the assistant director last year. Rumours are always circulating about Bellevue. Unfortunately, the contact is no longer there, but even were he it is doubtful that I would get far in asking a question about the current rumour that's doing the rounds - that Bellevue will not be open next year.
There have been previous rumours along these lines, and they have all proven to be false. What is fuelling the current one is nothing directly to do with Bellevue or indeed Hotetur, the chain which operates the hotel. It has to do with the financial problems at Grupo Marsans, the ultimate owner of both Hotetur and the hotel complex. I have referred to these problems before, both here and in "Talk Of The North". Marsans faces demands from creditors, one of which is the travel group Orizonia. A guarantee against a debt of some 40 million euros is Bellevue. Orizonia is demanding payment of this debt and the execution of its mortgage on Bellevue.
It is from this, one assumes, that the rumours are stemming. In the reports of the court hearings into Marsans and its difficulties, there has been nothing about Bellevue closing. The rumours would appear, as so often, to be the result of taking facts (and one can't even be sure that facts are being taken) and moulding them into something without any basis in truth. I have asked people about the sources from which they have heard about Bellevue's alleged closure. They go along the lines of someone who spoke to someone in a bar near to the hotel.
Bellevue stands on some 200,000 square metres of prime real estate in Alcúdia. It can, at a stretch, accommodate 6,000 guests. Orizonia, as with many a hotel or travel group, would love to get their hands on it. It has a hotel division that was created in 2008, into which Bellevue might well fit, though if you go to the website - http://www.luabay.com - and read the over-the-top narrative about how they will "seduce" you, you might be forgiven for thinking that Bellevue might not fit after all.
Of course, there is also a question as to quite how well Bellevue (as with many other hotels) is shaping up under the current difficult circumstances. But this is a separate issue. One finds it hard to believe that there is substance to the rumours.
And who knows, maybe a "new" Bellevue might become the destination for the much-longed-for Russian tourist market. President Antich has been in Moscow, wooing tour operators and predicting that Russia will become the third most important foreign market for Mallorca and the Balearics after Germany and the UK. Germans do not go to Bellevue in huge numbers, which is probably as well. You think there might be a bit of British-German antagonism, well according to some of my German sources this is nothing compared to that which exists between the Germans and the Russians. Hey ho, perhaps it's as well that Russia aren't in the World Cup.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
There have been previous rumours along these lines, and they have all proven to be false. What is fuelling the current one is nothing directly to do with Bellevue or indeed Hotetur, the chain which operates the hotel. It has to do with the financial problems at Grupo Marsans, the ultimate owner of both Hotetur and the hotel complex. I have referred to these problems before, both here and in "Talk Of The North". Marsans faces demands from creditors, one of which is the travel group Orizonia. A guarantee against a debt of some 40 million euros is Bellevue. Orizonia is demanding payment of this debt and the execution of its mortgage on Bellevue.
It is from this, one assumes, that the rumours are stemming. In the reports of the court hearings into Marsans and its difficulties, there has been nothing about Bellevue closing. The rumours would appear, as so often, to be the result of taking facts (and one can't even be sure that facts are being taken) and moulding them into something without any basis in truth. I have asked people about the sources from which they have heard about Bellevue's alleged closure. They go along the lines of someone who spoke to someone in a bar near to the hotel.
Bellevue stands on some 200,000 square metres of prime real estate in Alcúdia. It can, at a stretch, accommodate 6,000 guests. Orizonia, as with many a hotel or travel group, would love to get their hands on it. It has a hotel division that was created in 2008, into which Bellevue might well fit, though if you go to the website - http://www.luabay.com - and read the over-the-top narrative about how they will "seduce" you, you might be forgiven for thinking that Bellevue might not fit after all.
Of course, there is also a question as to quite how well Bellevue (as with many other hotels) is shaping up under the current difficult circumstances. But this is a separate issue. One finds it hard to believe that there is substance to the rumours.
And who knows, maybe a "new" Bellevue might become the destination for the much-longed-for Russian tourist market. President Antich has been in Moscow, wooing tour operators and predicting that Russia will become the third most important foreign market for Mallorca and the Balearics after Germany and the UK. Germans do not go to Bellevue in huge numbers, which is probably as well. You think there might be a bit of British-German antagonism, well according to some of my German sources this is nothing compared to that which exists between the Germans and the Russians. Hey ho, perhaps it's as well that Russia aren't in the World Cup.
Any comments to andrew@thealcudiaguide.com please.
Friday, September 28, 2007
From Russia With Love
This is the season for statistics. I may have described them before as being “fatuous”, but they do serve a purpose if only for me to be able to point out apparent inconsistencies. Let’s take the case of Russian tourism, a market perceived as being well doshed-up and therefore of interest to any a tourist-based economy. Yesterday, I noted that Russian tourism to the Balearics in the months to end-August had risen by just over 4%. This is a figure provided by a Balearics organisation for investigation and touristic technologies - CITTIB. Today, “The Bulletin” reports the Balearic Minister for Tourism as saying that in the first seven months (i.e. till end-July) that figure was up by 12.4%. Now, there isn’t actually a discrepancy here, because if one adds the numbers for August alone, the total - for the EIGHT months - is just a touch under 23,000 (in line with the CITTIB figures), the Minister pointing out that the figure for the SEVEN months was 15,769. I hope you’re following all of this.
But what the Minister has done is to report a healthy percentage rise for seven months and not take into account the fact that Russian tourism in August fell by over 10% over 2006, hence the 4% figure for the EIGHT months. 12.4 sounds better than 4.2, I think it’s fair to say. Which just all goes to show - as ever - that you can prove whatever you want with statistics. Fatuous? No, that’s unfair, but they should be read and interpreted with caution.
COFFEE
Apparently there is a travelling exhibition going around designed to promote awareness of “fair trade” coffee from central America. Worthy stuff, but mention of coffee prompts me to spotlight someone who has contributed hugely to the Mallorcan and Spanish holiday and life experience. Indeed without him one could argue the whole experience would not be quite the same. Achille Gaggia. Who he?
Gaggia was a Milanese bar owner. In 1938, he patented the Espresso coffee machine. The smell of freshly-prepared coffee is satisfying enough wherever one is, but add that smell to the warmth of a morning on holiday and it is highly evocative. Gaggia said that the machine “makes it quite difficult to make really bad coffee”, something I wouldn’t necessarily concur with. There are places hereabouts that make fabulous coffee. Why it should vary so much I don’t really know, but - and by all means offer alternatives - the coffee at Cas Capella in Alcúdia takes some beating. Don’t ask me why.
(Source for Gaggia reference: Peter Hennessy, “Having It So Good: Britain In The Fifties”, Allen Lane, 2006.)
VERMAR
Binissalem is currently enjoying its annual wine and grape fiesta - the Vermar. This is a jolly old thrash. People tread grapes, roll in them, throw them, get smothered in them, and with all the rain around they make wine in the process. Given that sampling is an obvious feature of the event, best not to take the car, which is why No Frills’ day out to the Vermar on Sunday would have been an ideal excuse. But I can’t make it. Damn.
QUIZ
Yesterday - As rightly pointed out by Anne Marie just back from Puerto Pollensa, it was Rex Harrison. The female part was Julie Andrews in the stage version of “My Fair Lady” but not Audrey Hepburn in the film. As Aud was not reckoned to be much of a singer, the vocal was actually Marni Nixon. Today’s title - who sang this Bond theme tune?
(PLEASE REPLY TO andrew@thealcudiaguide.com AND NOT VIA THE COMMENTS THINGY HERE.)
But what the Minister has done is to report a healthy percentage rise for seven months and not take into account the fact that Russian tourism in August fell by over 10% over 2006, hence the 4% figure for the EIGHT months. 12.4 sounds better than 4.2, I think it’s fair to say. Which just all goes to show - as ever - that you can prove whatever you want with statistics. Fatuous? No, that’s unfair, but they should be read and interpreted with caution.
COFFEE
Apparently there is a travelling exhibition going around designed to promote awareness of “fair trade” coffee from central America. Worthy stuff, but mention of coffee prompts me to spotlight someone who has contributed hugely to the Mallorcan and Spanish holiday and life experience. Indeed without him one could argue the whole experience would not be quite the same. Achille Gaggia. Who he?
Gaggia was a Milanese bar owner. In 1938, he patented the Espresso coffee machine. The smell of freshly-prepared coffee is satisfying enough wherever one is, but add that smell to the warmth of a morning on holiday and it is highly evocative. Gaggia said that the machine “makes it quite difficult to make really bad coffee”, something I wouldn’t necessarily concur with. There are places hereabouts that make fabulous coffee. Why it should vary so much I don’t really know, but - and by all means offer alternatives - the coffee at Cas Capella in Alcúdia takes some beating. Don’t ask me why.
(Source for Gaggia reference: Peter Hennessy, “Having It So Good: Britain In The Fifties”, Allen Lane, 2006.)
VERMAR
Binissalem is currently enjoying its annual wine and grape fiesta - the Vermar. This is a jolly old thrash. People tread grapes, roll in them, throw them, get smothered in them, and with all the rain around they make wine in the process. Given that sampling is an obvious feature of the event, best not to take the car, which is why No Frills’ day out to the Vermar on Sunday would have been an ideal excuse. But I can’t make it. Damn.
QUIZ
Yesterday - As rightly pointed out by Anne Marie just back from Puerto Pollensa, it was Rex Harrison. The female part was Julie Andrews in the stage version of “My Fair Lady” but not Audrey Hepburn in the film. As Aud was not reckoned to be much of a singer, the vocal was actually Marni Nixon. Today’s title - who sang this Bond theme tune?
(PLEASE REPLY TO andrew@thealcudiaguide.com AND NOT VIA THE COMMENTS THINGY HERE.)
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