Palma de Mallorca, 29th Jan 09

FABULOUS MALLORCA !

Mallorca remains the leading overseas destination for British holidaymakers and here's why...

Mallorca attracts over two million British visitors each year and in spite of the UK’s financial gloom and a weak pound, the island's tourism sector has worked hard to cap prices to ensure that they offer visitors good value for money.

Although 2009 will put Mallorca's popularity to the test early indicators are more positive than first anticipated and the fact that it is competitively priced in the market place, particularly for early booking offers, will encourage bookings.

The island is only two hours flying time away with easy access from all of the UK’s main international and regional airports and it has been welcoming holidaymakers for over a century. It is a safe and secure destination with a highly sophisticated infrastructure making it easy to get around and enjoy Mallorca’s wonderful climate with an average of 250 sunny days a year, relaxed lifestyle, diverse countryside, mountains and beaches.

Mallorca’s tourism sector is probably one of the most developed and experienced in the Mediterranean with a range of 1,602 accommodation establishments including 145 four star and 22 five star hotels, plus 25 rural deluxe hotels. Plus a wide range of self accommodation properties. There are many reasons why visitors should still come to the island but here are a few more to add to the list:

SPORTS

Walk in the Tramuntana Mountains and enjoy Mallorcan countryside at its best where there are over 400 kms of hiking routes. Most hotels and local tourist offices offer suggestions, maps and guides. Look out for Valerie Green’s latest “Walk & Eat Guide to Mallorca” available through Sunflower Books.

Cycle - there are over 260 kms of sign posted cycle routes with plenty of hotels and accommodation specifically dedicated to cyclists. Even the British Olympic Cycling Team favoured Mallorca for its training last year. Information: www.illesbalears.es or www.inestur.es.

Golf – Mallorca has 21 golf courses, two of which are private, providing an excellent choice for the accomplished golfer. Most golf courses on Mallorca offer training and pro classes for further information: www.infomallorca.net or www.mallorcagolfisland.com

Sail – Mallorca is one of the most important sailing and yachting centres in the Mediterranean with 41 marinas throughout the island. To learn how or further information on regattas, general facilities and watersports: www.illesbaleares.es

Tennis - Mallorcan, Rafael Nadal, currently the world’s number one, trains from his home town of Manacor in the centre of the island. For visitors who wish to follow in his footsteps there are plenty of tennis facilities and tennis training on the island.

Spas – Enjoy five star relaxation at any one of over 20 top spas around the island which are often part of a leading hotel. Further information: www.illesbalears.es/ing/majorca/health-tourism2.

CULTURE

Music – the island has a full programme of classical, rock, jazz concerts. In addition, many resorts and traditional villages such as Deia in the west and Pollensa in the north hold important music festivals in the summer. Further information: www.artescenic.es

Art -Palma has over 40 art galleries with an excellent variety of contemporary and traditional art from local and internationally acclaimed artists. Further information on Palma and the island’s arts scene go to : www.turart.net.

For those visitors who want to meet local artists at first hand go to Artevision www.artevision.es for details of art exhibitions/art related events around the island.

Palma Cathedral, Spectacular Loaves & Fishes Mural. Visitors must see the mural of internationally renowned Mallorcan artist, Miquel Barcelo, which took seven years to complete. This spectacular, three dimensional ceramic mural depicts the miracle of the loaves and fishes and covers 300 m2, in Saint Peter’s Chapel in Palma’s famous gothic cathedral.

Jakober Art Foundation, Alcudia. This extraordinary art foundation was established features a fascinating collection of old master portraits of children dating back to the 16th century called the “Nins Collection”. Visitors can also wander around the English Rose Garden which features around 100 different varieties and there is a walk around the grounds taking in 23 different contemporary scupltures by founders Ben & Yannick Jakober. Further information: www.fundacionjakober.org

FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

The main focus of Mallorca’s tourism industry has always been directed at families and entertaining visitors is a major part of tourism on the island from the Pirates and Son Amar spectacular shows to family favourites such as Marineland and the Aquarium. For full information on all Mallorca’s entertainment throughout the island go to: www.mallorcaattraction.com

GOOD FOOD, LOCAL PRODUCTS AND WINE

Mallorca, one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, is now being recognised for fine dining. In the latest edition of the Michelin Guide, five establishments on the island have retained their stars and they include Tristan’s Restaurant, Puerto Portals (two stars), Plat D’Or Restaurant, Hotel Arabella Sheraton, Son Vida (one star), Es Moli d’en Bou, Son Servera (one star), Restaurant Bacchus, Read’s Hotel, Santa Maria (one star) and Es Racó d'Es Teix, Deià (one star). For information on Mallorca’s wonderful variety of restaurants go to: www.skybluemallorca.com

EXPERIENCE THE “OTHER” MALLORCA

In 1989 the “Agroturismo” Association was formed so that Mallorcan farms and estates could offer rural tourism to visitors. Since that time the organisation has grown to 110 different rural properties around the island. They are all different and unique and often provide an opportunity to stay with a Mallorcan family. Information & reservations: www.topfincas.com

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)