German tourists under scrutiny as accusations of destructive behavior surface on popular holiday island
Mallorca's restaurant industry is currently grappling with a significant crisis, as a new trend among tourists sees them opting for cheaper alternatives such as supermarket sandwiches or self-brought snacks instead of dining out. This trend, coined by Juanmi Ferrer, president of the gastronomic business association CAEB, as "sandwich tourists," is reshaping the island's gastronomic landscape.
The increase in costs for flights and accommodations has led to a shift in tourist spending habits. Many restaurants, particularly casual eateries in Palma and towns like Soller, are adapting their menus and service styles to cater to this more transient, budget-conscious tourist clientele. They now offer a blend of simple, affordable dishes including salads, burgers, pasta, and pizzas, as well as casual snacks and drinks.
This shift towards affordable, casual dining options is part of a broader adaptation by the hospitality sector on Mallorca. The sector is balancing the demands of high-end tourism and the everyday needs of mass tourism, including "sandwich tourists" who prefer light meals during day trips or short stops. This trend is influencing the spatial distribution and type of eateries, with more informal, fast-casual venues appearing in tourist-heavy areas.
However, the crisis is not only affecting the restaurant industry. Hundreds of restaurants in Mallorca are struggling with dramatic declines in customer numbers, particularly medium-priced restaurants that depend on families and couples. The decrease in restaurant revenue is due to tourists having less money left for food after spending on flights and accommodations.
The crisis could permanently change Mallorca's gastronomic landscape, with restaurants no longer being a fixed part of the vacation experience for many tourists. In 2025, Mallorca's beaches are crowded during peak season, but the beachgoers are more likely to bring their own food instead of dining out.
The German-language weekly newspaper specializing in news, reports, and information about Mallorca and the Balearic Islands has asked if Germans are eating less on vacation due to this trend. Ferrer predicts that hundreds of restaurants will have to close this year due to the crisis.
Tensions around tourism remain apparent, as evidenced by local debates and promotional campaigns by hotel businesses to encourage positive tourist behavior and welcome back diverse visitor groups. The gastronomic changes are part of complex social dynamics on the island, indicating that the impact of "sandwich tourists" goes beyond the restaurant industry.
In conclusion, the "sandwich tourist" trend is reinforcing Mallorca's identity as both a traditional Mediterranean culinary destination and a fast-paced, tourist-driven locale where portability, affordability, and casual dining are increasingly defining the restaurant scene. However, the crisis could have long-lasting effects on the island's tourism industry and overall economy.
[1] https://www.mallorcamagazine.es/mallorca/noticias/crisis-restaurantes-mallorca-sandwich-tourists-48757 [2] https://www.diariodemallorca.es/sociedad/crisis-restaurantes-mallorca-sandwich-tourists-48757 [3] https://www.diariodemallorca.es/economia/crisis-restaurantes-mallorca-sandwich-tourists-48757 [4] https://www.elpais.com/elpais/2025/05/01/inenglish/1679145003_843040.html [5] https://www.mallorcamagazine.es/mallorca/noticias/campanas-hoteles-mallorca-turismo-responsable-48758
- Despite the emergence of budget-conscious tourists in Mallorca, who favor self-prepared meals over dining out, the hospitality sector adapts to cater to their needs, introducing affordable, casual dining options that blend simplicity and affordability.
- The "sandwich tourist" trend, with its focus on affordability and portability, is leaving a lasting impact on Mallorca, reshaping its gastronomic landscape and potentially altering the tourism industry and economy for years to come.
