Liz_I
Well-Known Member
I wonder if Menorca has a tourist death wish?
The number of tourists has fallen over the past 3 years with this year being much worse.
The number of visiting boats has also dropped. There are, of course, likely to be many reasons for this not least the exchange rate (for the UK tourists). However the Menorceans seem to have a strange way of attracting folk. In restaurants halving portions but charging the same price! The astronomical fees charged for mooring beggars belief. A couple who after having a rough trip from Sardinia decided a night tied to the shore would give them a decent nights sleep were horrified when paying the bill. The price, for 36/37ft, 100 Euros! This is without any services as there are none!
A company from the main land out bid the Club Maritimo when their lease expired they have put in brand new pontoons. Strangely they are quite empty! The Copo del Rey a classic boat regatta held in Mahon every year did not take place. The reason, the new company would not give the visiting boats any concessionary rates or free mooring for the vessels taking part.
Apparently the cruise ships are also staying away. Allegedly there were 22 ships that did not come in this year. That is a huge number of tourists who would normally spend money.
There are, of course, exceptions some small restaurants are offering a very resonably priced Menu del Dia though this started after the first week in Sept.
The ball park is also changing regarding anchoring in Mahon. Due to the stupidity of some yachtsmen, who insist on anchoring in the fareway and impeding the local tripper boats, Cala Taulera has lost appx 1/3rd of the available anchorage. Port & Starboard marks have been laid in the Cala.
It's all very depressing as we have a soft spot for Menorca, Mahon in particular. The anchorages are very safe from any wind direction. It's just a lovely destination. The locals reckon next year will be better but we have our doubts.
The number of tourists has fallen over the past 3 years with this year being much worse.
The number of visiting boats has also dropped. There are, of course, likely to be many reasons for this not least the exchange rate (for the UK tourists). However the Menorceans seem to have a strange way of attracting folk. In restaurants halving portions but charging the same price! The astronomical fees charged for mooring beggars belief. A couple who after having a rough trip from Sardinia decided a night tied to the shore would give them a decent nights sleep were horrified when paying the bill. The price, for 36/37ft, 100 Euros! This is without any services as there are none!
A company from the main land out bid the Club Maritimo when their lease expired they have put in brand new pontoons. Strangely they are quite empty! The Copo del Rey a classic boat regatta held in Mahon every year did not take place. The reason, the new company would not give the visiting boats any concessionary rates or free mooring for the vessels taking part.
Apparently the cruise ships are also staying away. Allegedly there were 22 ships that did not come in this year. That is a huge number of tourists who would normally spend money.
There are, of course, exceptions some small restaurants are offering a very resonably priced Menu del Dia though this started after the first week in Sept.
The ball park is also changing regarding anchoring in Mahon. Due to the stupidity of some yachtsmen, who insist on anchoring in the fareway and impeding the local tripper boats, Cala Taulera has lost appx 1/3rd of the available anchorage. Port & Starboard marks have been laid in the Cala.
It's all very depressing as we have a soft spot for Menorca, Mahon in particular. The anchorages are very safe from any wind direction. It's just a lovely destination. The locals reckon next year will be better but we have our doubts.
