PALMA PROMOTES THE CITY FOR CULTURE, SHOPPING, SPORT & BUSINESS

Palma de Mallorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands, and only two hours flying time from the UK, is promoting itself year round as an ideal location to enjoy local culture, shopping and sports activities. In addition, the city is also promoting its facilities to the international business community, for conferences and meetings.

Culture

New guided walks and a new schedule of concerts, ballet and opera, are being planned for visitors next year as part of Palma’s new cultural plan.

The new Es Baluard musem of contemporary art is to be formally inaugurated by the King and Queen of Spain in January 2004. The museum is located in the centre of Palma near the old sea walls of Sant Pere near the Santa Catalina area overlooking the Paseo Maritimo, and will be open to the general public from 1st February, 2004.

At the same time as the construction of the museum, the whole area has been revitalised with the restoration of the old sea walls, which historically marked the boundaries of this area.

Shopping

The concentration of top international designer names, quality artisan handmade goods and products, and boutiques in Mallorca, and in particular in the capital of Palma, makes the island an ideal location for shopping breaks.

Prada, Loewe, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Cartier, Mont Blanc, Mandarin Duck, Farrutx, Lacoste and Camper and many more are just a few of the names you will find in the excellent range of small boutiques in Palma providing a good range of unusual items, not normally found in the large stores. The high concentration of quality shoe shops is very popular with the visitor as are the major fashion stores, including Zara and Mango, both of which have several outlets in Palma.

During the winter, the majority of shops in Palma are open throughout the day (although some traditionally close at lunchtime). Mallorca remains good value for the British, on average goods are about a third less expensive than in the UK.

Sports

Palma Town Hall are also keen to promote Palma area sports facilities and as part of that promotion they are considering plans to construct a new water fun park in the Playa de Palma area.

Says Tomeu Deya, Manager of the Mallorca Tourist Board, “the attraction of Palma is not dependent on sun and sand, the city and its surrounding areas can be enjoyed at any time of the year, day or night, all year round”.

Conferences & Meetings

Palma has long been a favourite destination for conferences. Recently, it hosted the Association of British Travel Agents Convention (ABTA), which attracted almost 2000 agents. However, conference organisers will be pleased to hear that Palma will soon have a new Convention Centre.

The city’s newest conference centre will open in January 2004 alongside Palma’s famous Gran Melia Victoria Hotel on the Paseo Maritimo. The Sol Melia Group has made a total investment in the new conference centre of 10 million euros (approx £7 million pounds). It will have 10 meeting rooms, including the “Magna” room, which has capacity for up to 500 people, underground parking and a garden area. Tel: (+34) 971 732 542
Fax: (+34) 971 450 824. www.granmeliavictoria.solmelia.com

Juan Miguel Caldentey, President of the Mallorca Convention Bureau, says: “This opening represents a great boost to the facilities the island has to offer and fills an increasing demand for conference space. Mallorca continues to improve its product, providing quality with value for money, and to consolidate its position as an ideal destination for the meetings market.

In addition to Palma’s own conference and meeting facilities, the island has many small rural retreats, many of which are excellent locations for small meetings away from the office. Mallorca is very accesible. The availability of flights into the island from all over the UK year round, and in particular those operated by budget airlines such as Easyjet, has made Palma an attractive destination for small meetings.

New Budget Airline Service

This week, yet another leading airline, Air Berlin, announced that it will commence a daily London (Stansted) to Palma service from 19th December, 2003. Lead-in price, per person, one way, is 29 euros (approximately £20) including airport taxes. To book online go to www.airberlin.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:

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

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

FESTIVE SWEETS CAN BE HEAVENLY (05th Jan 12)