A prominent travel psychologist has shed light on the peculiar phenomenon of British and German tourists reserving pool loungers with towels at dawn in Mallorca's hotels. This practice, which has recently gained viral attention through social media, stems from deep-rooted psychological factors according to expert Barbara Horvatits-Ebner.
Speaking to travel website reisereporter.de, Horvatits-Ebner explains: "It's often about the fear of missing out or not belonging. Many act from a desire to avoid failure - and this provides security." The expert suggests that this behaviour is driven by territorial instincts and the need to secure preferred spots around the pool.
The psychologist notes that the visible placement of towels serves as a non-verbal communication method, helping tourists avoid direct confrontation over lounger ownership. "The need for conformity strongly guides behaviour," she adds, pointing out that when several loungers are already marked with towels, other guests feel increased pressure to follow suit.
Recent social media impact
Videos circulating on social media platforms have captured tourists queuing as early as 6am to place towels on loungers, sparking both amusement and concern across the hospitality sector. These scenes, particularly common in Spanish coastal resorts, highlight an ongoing challenge for hotel management in maintaining fair access to pool facilities.
The practice has become so widespread that some hotels have implemented policies to address the situation, though the psychological motivations identified by Horvatits-Ebner suggest the behaviour may be difficult to fully eliminate without addressing the underlying anxieties of holidaymakers.