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UK holidaymakers heading to Majorca this summer may encounter significant changes in how they pay for food and drinks, as many bars and restaurants are considering the implementation of self-payment systems.
This change could potentially narrow the options available to tourists seeking to enjoy the island’s vibrant dining scene.
In an interview with the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, emphasised that these adaptations might be crucial for the survival of some businesses. “It is the only solution to be able to stay open,” he remarked, stressing the need to balance staffing with profitability, especially during the quieter off-peak seasons.
The move toward self-payment systems includes the increasing use of QR codes, which many establishments adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic for ordering. Now, many are also introducing smartphone payment options to streamline the dining experience further. Additionally, some restaurants may adopt a counter payment system reminiscent of practices commonly found in Italian eateries, where patrons pay upfront before being seated, thereby reducing the need for extensive waitstaff.
While these developments could limit payment options for visitors, they also signal a broader trend toward cashless transactions on the island. Tourists are advised to check with their banks regarding potential fees for using debit or credit cards abroad, as cash may become less prevalent in many venues.
This coming year Majorca is set to experience a surge in tourism, with predictions indicating that up to 541 cruise liners, carrying nearly two million passengers, will dock at the island. A new forecast from the Balearic Port Authority suggests that approximately 50 cruise ships are expected to visit Palma, the island’s main port city, further bolstering the local tourism economy.