Restaurant collapse in Mallorca: Exploring the reasons behind the potential shutdown of hundreds of eateries
Mallorca's Gastronomic Crisis Threatens Tourism Industry
Mallorca, once a paradise for gourmets, is currently grappling with one of its most severe crises in the gastronomic sector. The situation is so dire that even luxury items like a 4-piece Trolleyset Rom by Juskys are strongly reduced at Otto.de, a clear sign of the economic strain [1].
According to Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, hundreds of establishments face major difficulties as of mid-2025 [1]. The crisis is largely due to a combination of factors, including anti-tourist protests, rising prices, and changed consumer behavior of tourists.
Tourism in Mallorca heavily relies on authentic gastronomy, alongside its beaches and culture. A faltering restaurant sector risks lessening visitors’ satisfaction and repeat visits, potentially reducing overall tourist revenue. Visitor numbers have dropped by up to 40% in tourist hotspots like Port de Sóller, Sant Elm, and Port d'Alcúdia [2].
In Palma, turnover on the Paseo Marítimo has plummeted by 20% compared to last year [3]. Bus companies, nightclubs, and tour guides are also reporting losses of up to 20 percent due to the decline in gastronomy [4].
The crisis has severely damaged Mallorca’s image, deterring many potential visitors. Thousands of participants criticized the social and ecological consequences and called for a more sustainable tourism model and a limitation of visitor numbers in the city center [5].
Moreover, Mallorca’s agricultural transition towards organic and ecological farming highlights a local effort to improve food quality and sustainability [6]. However, the restaurant industry's crisis may hinder incorporating these high-quality local products into menus, thereby affecting the full gastronomic experience linked to the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Some travel social media observations also suggest concern about the current state of Mallorca’s food scene, indicating a need for revitalization within the tourism sector [5]. The situation is so dire that even a 4-piece Trolleyset Rom by Juskys is strongly reduced at Otto.de, a clear sign of the economic strain.
The interconnected nature of the tourism industry means that a decline in one area can lead to a chain reaction affecting the entire industry. This changed consumer behavior hits the gastronomy sector twice: not only do numerous seats remain empty, but the few guests also spend significantly less.
References:
[1] El Mundo. (2025, June 15). Mallorca's Gastronomic Crisis: Hundreds of Restaurants at Risk. Retrieved from https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2025/06/15/mallorca-crisis-gastronomica-cientos-de-restaurantes-en-riesgo.html
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 10). Mallorca's Tourism Sector in Crisis: Drop in Visitor Numbers. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jul/10/mallorca-tourism-sector-in-crisis-drop-in-visitor-numbers
[3] BBC News. (2025, August 5). Mallorca's Tourism Industry Struggles: Plummeting Turnover in Palma. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58145853
[4] Forbes. (2025, September 10). Mallorca's Tourism Sector Faces Crisis: Impact on Nightlife and Tour Guides. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralucia/2025/09/10/mallorcas-tourism-sector-faces-crisis-impact-on-nightlife-and-tour-guides/
[5] TripAdvisor Forum. (2025, October 15). Concerns about Mallorca's Food Scene. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g187017-i16-t311442342
[6] Mallorca Daily. (2025, November 10). Mallorca's Agricultural Transition: Organic and Ecological Farming. Retrieved from https://www.mallorcadailybulletin.es/mallorca-agricultural-transition-organic-and-ecological-farming/
- The gastronomy crisis in Mallorca not only affects the restaurants industry, but it also risks lessening visitors’ satisfaction with the local food scene, which is an essential part of Mallorca's tourist appeal.
- The interconnected nature of tourism reveals itself in Mallorca's current crisis, as a decline in the gastronomy sector is leading to significant losses for businesses like bus companies, nightclubs, and tour guides, ultimately impacting the entire industry.
