Magaluf gears up for thousands of US Marines – a revenue opportunity and unrest at the same time

When the flags fly: Magaluf prepares

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These days you can already see occasional US flags along the promenade, special offers for bourbon and crates of cigars stacked in shop windows. Magaluf, the resort known for its loud nights and British package tourists, is preparing for an unusually large stopover: a US aircraft carrier will anchor in the bay off Palma, and around 4,500 sailors are to go ashore during the week of October 3-8.

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Purses open, red light for concerns

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For businesspeople this is like a flash of light after a long summer. Representatives of the local hotels and restaurants expect significantly higher sales: drinks, souvenirs, taxi rides, dinners — taken together could, by rough estimates, bring several million euros into the tills. A shop owner on Calle Punta Ballena told me yesterday that he had shopped until midnight to stock shelves with Jack Daniel’s and American beer. "These are days you hope for," he said, laughing nervously.

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At the same time, there is another side: memories of incidents during previous landings run deep. Police and Guardia Civil have coordinated deployment plans, and the U.S. Marine Police (Master-at-Arms) are also to coordinate on site. Authorities emphasize that they want to act proactively — more presence, clearer routes for the soldiers, and strict checks in hotspots.

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Between anticipation and caution

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In the bars along the Paseo Marítimo there is a mix of anticipation and restraint. Some innkeepers want to steer guests toward family-friendly venues, others are betting on typical US products and longer opening hours. Residents watch the preparations with mixed feelings: a woman who has lived in Magaluf for 20 years said she is happy about full restaurants but fears disturbances in the evenings. "We know the scenes from the nineties — no one wants that here again," she said.

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In the end, it's a balancing act: economic relief for many businesses against the risk of disturbances. The coming days will show whether the island can manage the balance with ringing cash registers and as little trouble as possible. I will continue to follow up on the ground — and report if the mood shifts.