German tourists, often referred to as "brotch-vacationers," are significantly criticized by local Mallorcan caterers for their limited culinary experiences and preference for fast food.
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Mallorca, a popular tourist destination, is currently grappling with a unique challenge - a shift in dining habits among visitors. This new trend, symbolised by the term "sandwich tourists", is causing a ripple effect on the local restaurant industry.
Juanmi Ferrer, president of the gastronomic entrepreneurs' association CAEB, has introduced this term to represent tourists who opt for cheaper alternatives such as supermarket sandwiches or self-brought snacks instead of dining out. This change in behaviour has led to a significant drop in customer numbers, particularly in hotspots like Port d'Alcúdia and Paseo Marítimo in Palma.
The drop in customer numbers is attributed to increased flight and accommodation costs, which are causing tourists to significantly reduce their spending on food. Consequently, many mid-priced restaurants are facing an existential question - whether they can further lower their prices or close due to the drop in revenue.
The revenue per table has dropped by up to 12 percent due to guests ordering less or skipping visits. This decline in revenue not only affects the restaurants but also has wider implications for the local economy. Decreased income for restaurants can lead to potential job losses and impact on related local suppliers.
Despite the high tourist volume during the peak season in 2025, hundreds of restaurants in Mallorca are experiencing revenue losses. Restaurants that were once an integral part of the vacation experience are being ignored, leading to a paradoxical situation of empty tables despite crowded beaches.
The discussion around the restaurant crisis in Mallorca centres on changes in travel behaviour and increased operating costs. While the term "sandwich tourists" may not be explicitly mentioned in some sources, the implications are clear - tourists bringing or preferring simple foods might affect restaurant sales.
The broader tourism trend in Mallorca shows a mix of visitors seeking varied experiences, from luxury dining on cruises to affordable authentic local meals. However, the presence of tourists opting for minimal or self-provided meals potentially reduces the benefits of tourism on the food service sector and, by extension, the local economy.
The restaurant crisis in Mallorca could permanently change the island's culinary landscape. Ferrer recently stated that "the summer is miserable" due to the impact of the drop in customer numbers on the restaurant industry. He predicts that hundreds of restaurants will have to close this year as a result.
The German-language weekly newspaper recently posed the question: "Are Germans eating less on vacation?" in relation to the restaurant slump in Mallorca. As the tourist season continues, it remains to be seen how the local community dependent on tourism-related hospitality services will weather this storm.
- Juanmi Ferrer's term "sandwich tourists" highlights a trend where tourists, due to increased costs, are opting for cheaper food-and-drink options like supermarket sandwiches, impacting the local restaurant lifestyle in Mallorca.
- The decline in restaurant revenue in Mallorca could have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to job losses and impacting local food-and-drink suppliers, as well as affecting the broader travel industry within the region.
