The issue of winter tourism on Majorca has been likened to a chicken-and-egg scenario. There are no flights so there are no hotels open. But things are changing. Jet2 will start operating winter flights from Manchester on Thursday, bringing the first winter tourists to the island on a package holiday in almost a decade. Yes, I know it sounds amazing but winter package holidays to Majorca suddenly stopped after being generally popular for many years. The reasons are still unknown but the sudden halt is being partly reversed from tomorrow thanks to Jet2 which is operating a small winter programme to Palma. As regular readers of this space will know I feel very strongly about winter tourism and believe that Majorca could be a fantastic 12-month-a-year holiday destination. To give Jet2 a small helping hand on Thursday the Bulletin will be distributing free copies of the newspaper amongst our first winter tourists and also the minister for tourism, Biel Barcelo, has written a welcome message. The first flight is fully booked and they are all staying in hotels across Palma. This could be the start of something very interesting for Majorca. Palma is a beautiful city and there is plenty to do in our capital during the winter months. The majority of hotels are open and obviously so are restaurants, bars and shops. I would like to wish Jet2 the best of luck and I sincerely hope that their move into winter tourism is a success. Fingers crossed.
Winter tourism
09/02/2016 00:00
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7 comments
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Could someone please explain to me why it is the general belief that Mallorca´s winter tourism only relies on British tourists and not German, Scandinavian or other nationalities.
Monarch are obviously not doing enough promotion as they have had flights twice a week from Manchester throughout the winter!
Great that Jet2 are flying in February but they are certainly not doing it for the good of the island. Their prices suggest they are doing it purely for their bottom line on the balance sheet!
I have just checked the cost of a return flight from Manchester with 22kgs of bags each way and a reserved standard seat for the 25th of February,returning on the 3rd of March,the cost was £176.60,which seemed reasonable to me.
I agree Jason. Jet2 are a forward thinking airline. Although the first flight from Edinburgh is not until 3rd March, this is a good start. Palma has so much to offer the tourist all year round. I hope Sr. Barcelo is choosing his words carefully and mentions what he has in store for their next visit! I wish though that museums, galleries, cathedral etc. didn't charge for entry here. This would encourage more visitors, as apart from the family bars & restaurants Palma is not always a cheap city to holiday in. By coincidence there are debates in Edinburgh at this very moment to try and introduce a hotel bed tax. Naturally the hotelier's organisation, bars, restaurants etc. are very against those proposals by the council, so I don't think it will happen. Too much damage to the tourist industry is the reason. It is mentioned there incidently that all museums & galleries have free admission, as is general all over UK. I hope our eco-tax here will scrap admission fees, but pessimistically I fear that the money gained will be hidden and used to pay the compensation for previously agreed projects. Well done Jason and DB for your efforts.!
Excellent news! It's interesting that the focus is now the city of Palma, thank goodness that its attractions are finally being recognised.
Delighted to welcome these flights, as part of the campaign for Winter Tourism. I am not impressed with the cost of Jet2's prices. Nor am pleased, that these "Winter" Tourists will be accommodated only in PALMA. Is this because the rest of the Island is still closed in winter.?