A "paradox worrying Balearic tourism" is plaguing the Spanish holiday archipelago, as a stark difference in holidaying costs between Majorca and the Caribbean has emerged. Pedro Fiol, the president of the Aviba association of travel agencies in the Balearics, said Spanish holidaymakers, who often face flight prices some three times higher than flights from elsewhere in Europe, said it is currently cheaper to spend 14 nights in a five-star all-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean than a seven-night stay in a similar hotel in Majorca.

"There is a nuance that often goes unnoticed and that we in the Balearics must highlight. If it is expensive for a European to travel to Mallorca, the situation is even more complex for the domestic market," Mr Fiol said. Because of the higher travel costs, there is "a sense of injustice that is difficult to explain to the Spanish customer". Under current conditions, a stay during one of the most popular weeks of the year, August 15, can "easily reach €3,900 [£3,393]" in popular locations.

"For one of the most popular weeks of the year, around August 15, this can cost some €2,300 [£2,000] per person," Mr Fiol said, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. "In particularly popular locations, such as Playa de Muro, the price can easily reach €3,900 [£3,393] per person in a standard room.

"In contrast, for the same dates a trip to the Caribbean, for example to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), for 14 nights in five-star all-inclusive hotels can be found for around €2,250 [£1,957] per person. If the traveller wants higher-category or luxury establishments, prices usually range between €2,600 [£2,262] and €3,300 [£2,870].

"In many cases, the price is in the same range or lower than a week in Mallorca. Even reducing the stay to a week in the Caribbean, prices remain competitive, with options around €1,700 [£1,479] per person."

Mr Fiol noted a headline last year that generated intense debate, which claimed a week-long trip to the Maldives could be cheaper than spending the same number of days in Majorca. A year on, he said this paradox "not only remains but is evolving".

"At certain times of the year it is more affordable to spend 15 days in the Caribbean than to enjoy a week in our own country."

He said destinations like Punta Cana are successfully marketing comprehensive all-inclusive packages that include flights and transfers at very aggressive price points. In contrast, the Balearic Islands are seeing a steady increase in accommodation and dining prices, making the region more expensive, especially during the peak summer months.

While the Caribbean model is more integrated and keeps on-site spending low, Balearic visitors often opt for flexible meal plans that result in a significantly higher final bill due to additional costs for leisure and activities.