LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, l I READ with interest your article from the Bulletin edition of 12th July regarding the changing market conditions for Majorca's dinner shows. I know that some of our competitors have suffered a downturn in sales over the last two or three seasons but I am pleased to report that our experience at Pirates Adventure is somewhat different. Whilst we have witnessed and indeed benefited from the significant changes in the market structure with the advent of the low cost airlines, we have continued to grow our sales through all channels including the major tour operators. We have been selling effectively through our website (www.piratesadventure.com) for some time to those people who are now chosing to purchase the components of their holiday separately. However, we have also continued to work very closely with the major tour operators and we have recorded record sales growth with each of the big four travel companies. They will always be an integral part of our distribution strategy and I do not see any reasons why their sales of excursions should reduce over time so long as they have a good selection of quality products to sell at a price that offers the customer value for money. I do not share the view of Mr Segui and other bar and restaurant owners that the tourist entertainment market is in terminal decline as a result of the growth in all-inclusive hotels. I firmly believe that there will always be a strong demand for high quality live entertainment and I don't see the hotel entertainment as competiton. Indeed our sales from all-inclusive properties remain strong as people want the option of a special night out irrespective of how comprehensive a programme of entertainment the hotel has on offer. In my 25 years experience in the tourist industry I have witnessed many changes but I have always held the belief that if you continue to invest in every aspect of your business; ensuring that you are continually innovating, adapting to changes in the market and offering a quality product at a price the customer wants to buy through a sales channel that is convenient for them, you will succeed. This is certainly at the heart of the business strategy for Pirates. l THE e-mail letter from Stuart James published in the Bulletin of 12th July, caused our family great distress and alarm. The BMI Baby web site offers two flights each week (Tues & Sat.) during the winter period from and to Palma and Nottingham. (East Midlands). Whilst I subscribe to the general feeling that Majorca does its economy a grave disservice by the wholesale closure of hotels, shops, bars,restaurants and many places of interest, it is a great relief to find that we are NOT totally marooned.