New tourism data released by Spain’s national tourism board Turespaña show that the Balearic Islands handled 16.14 million international passengers in 2025—up 2.4 % on the previous year—with a marked acceleration in December when arrivals rose 6.1 % year-on-year. The figures, reported on 20 January by Euro Weekly News, underscore the archipelago’s growing status as a year-round destination.(euroweeklynews.com)
Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport alone welcomed 12.41 million international travellers, 68 % of them on low-cost carriers. UK residents accounted for nearly one-third of all bookings, second only to Spanish domestic demand, with German and U.S. markets following at a distance. Travel-tech firm Travelgate noted a 33 % week-on-week jump in bookings to the islands during the second week of January, with 45 % of travellers reserving more than three months in advance.(euroweeklynews.com)
For airlines and corporate travel managers the data point to stable winter seat demand, potentially supporting additional off-season frequencies and negotiated corporate fares. Hotels are responding by widening shoulder-season conference packages, appealing to remote-work teams seeking mild weather. Mobility advisers should flag the surge in passenger numbers to relocating staff: Palma airport is still completing its EES biometric installation, so longer non-EU queues are likely during the February-April roll-out phase.
![Winter-Sun Demand Pushes Balearic Air Arrivals Past 16 Million]()
International visitors who need clarity on Schengen entry requirements can simplify the process with VisaHQ’s online visa and travel-document services for Spain (https://www.visahq.com/spain/). The platform’s real-time updates on appointment availability, biometric rules, and waivers are particularly handy while Palma airport phases in its new EES system.
Local authorities view the boom as both economic relief and logistical challenge. The Balearic government is tightening sustainability rules, including a new tourist-accommodation cap for 2026 and stricter emissions fees for cruise ships—measures that could affect future group moves and incentive trips.
Yet for now, the Balearics’ winter-sun momentum offers firms flexible meeting-and-mobility options within the eurozone. Early booking remains advisable to lock in capacity and avoid peak-season style price spikes creeping into the traditionally quieter first quarter.
Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport alone welcomed 12.41 million international travellers, 68 % of them on low-cost carriers. UK residents accounted for nearly one-third of all bookings, second only to Spanish domestic demand, with German and U.S. markets following at a distance. Travel-tech firm Travelgate noted a 33 % week-on-week jump in bookings to the islands during the second week of January, with 45 % of travellers reserving more than three months in advance.(euroweeklynews.com)
For airlines and corporate travel managers the data point to stable winter seat demand, potentially supporting additional off-season frequencies and negotiated corporate fares. Hotels are responding by widening shoulder-season conference packages, appealing to remote-work teams seeking mild weather. Mobility advisers should flag the surge in passenger numbers to relocating staff: Palma airport is still completing its EES biometric installation, so longer non-EU queues are likely during the February-April roll-out phase.
International visitors who need clarity on Schengen entry requirements can simplify the process with VisaHQ’s online visa and travel-document services for Spain (https://www.visahq.com/spain/). The platform’s real-time updates on appointment availability, biometric rules, and waivers are particularly handy while Palma airport phases in its new EES system.
Local authorities view the boom as both economic relief and logistical challenge. The Balearic government is tightening sustainability rules, including a new tourist-accommodation cap for 2026 and stricter emissions fees for cruise ships—measures that could affect future group moves and incentive trips.
Yet for now, the Balearics’ winter-sun momentum offers firms flexible meeting-and-mobility options within the eurozone. Early booking remains advisable to lock in capacity and avoid peak-season style price spikes creeping into the traditionally quieter first quarter.
