Mallorca is viewed as being Europe's leading destination for cycling tourism, the anticipation being that some 200,000 cyclists will come to the island between October and April. The number does drop off significantly after October and only starts to rise in February, but the demand is such that at least 150 hotels on the island benefit from this low-season tourism. Some stay open during the winter, though it is the case that the majority open in February. The main resort areas for cycling tourism are Playa de Palma, the bay of Alcudia, Paguera, Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada.
The Council of Mallorca's tourism councillor, Andreu Serra, says that the island has the infrastructure, specialised hotels and services to meet the needs of this market and he highlights the agreement with Eurosport to promote the island as an active tourism destination as well as the sponsorship of the likes of Mallorca 312.
"The strategic objective is to consolidate what we have and expand market share." The cycling season covers two very specific times - from autumn up to Christmas and from February until after Easter. One particular promotional drive, the councillor explains, is to attract more female cycling tourism.
The president of the Alcudia-Can Picafort hoteliers association, Jaume Horrach, emphasises the economic benefit. "It is very important for the entire tourism value chain." The average package "includes a week of accommodation on a half-board basis at some 500 euros". The overall economic benefit for Mallorca from October to the end of April is put at around 300 million euros.
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One rule for cyclists on organised cycle holidays, and one for everyone else. Just a pity some of the bad apple cyclist tours can not abide to the correct highway rules. I have even been stopped by cycle organisers on a roundabout to let their cyclists have priority over other road users. Also, too many cars on the roads, perhaps there are too many cyclists on the roads at peak times as well.
Stan The ManThe whole island drives on the "wrong side of the road". Rental cars even have the steering wheel on the wrong side. And of you attempt to drive on the "correct" side, you'll surely crash, and be blamed for it. Unbelievably backward. Never coming back to this Hellhole.
Very frightening to drivers in the Tramuntana Mountains , as they descend down the roads at high speeds , ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!!.