A foreign invasion

THIS year has seen a dramatic increase in foreign visitors to the islands in the first three months of the year.

The Balearics has received more than 677,590 foreign tourists in the last three months representing the highest growth in Spain and an increase of 39.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to a survey of Border Tourist Movements (Frontur) published by the National Statistics Institute, more than 415,280 international tourists visited the islands in March showing an increase of 46.5 per cent compared to March 2015.

Balearic Vice President and Councillor for Tourism Biel Barcelo, evaluating the data revealing the Balearics as leading in the growth of international tourism, considered it proof that “those who chose to open the hotels in winter have been rewarded”.

In a press conference, the councillor pointed out that the data corresponded to winter months and this increase contributes to ‘lengthening the season and deseasonalising’ the sector.

Barcelo also forecast a growth in the number of British and domestic visitors and that the number of German tourists would remain more or less the same.