By Andrew Ede
Copyright majorcadailybulletin
Can Magalluf expect something of a late-season boost? The Americans are coming, as from Friday, and the ABTA convention starts on Monday.
The hope is that good numbers of the 4,500-plus military personnel on the USS Gerald R. Ford will make their way to Magalluf. The hope is justified, as the resort has proved popular in the past with American marines.
The president of the Acotur tourist businesses association, Pepe Tirado, reckons that Magalluf will be one of the areas to benefit most from the arrival of the Americans, as “it is more British”. He says that local establishments are stocking up on the likes of Jack Daniels, Havana cigars, and favourite American beers. American flags are already in evidence, and Tirado expects there will be more.
Tirado adds: “We expect the income of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and businesses in Palma and Calvia to increase by around 30% or even more.” An estimated economic benefit of the aircraft carrier’s visit is put at around ten million euros.
For Tirado, “it is excellent news” that the world’s largest aircraft carrier is making a stopover, as this will generate significant revenue following a summer which has seen, according to him, a 30% drop in restaurant sales. He asks the Americans to “behave themselves” and urges business owners in the island’s tourism sector to “display positive attitudes”.
