Family joy: Mallorca’s true spirit

Pure unadulterated joy was all around me on the early morning flight from Belfast to Palma last Monday. Families, with young, excited children made me glad to be alive. The excitement of the take-off, what could be seen from the window and the expectation of the fun they were about to have was wonderful. I chatted to a 5-year-old who was looking forward to dancing at the hotel mini disco, in a Port of Pollensa hotel, that night. I listened to others as they discussed the merits of the snorkel they had bought for the sea. A three-year-old told me of the bucket and spade he was going to use on the sandy beach.

Family groups including Nan and Grandad were all there for the purpose of enjoying family time and making memories to treasure. Northern Ireland has had a dire summer so far and many of the adults were just looking forward to sun, heat, beach and a bit of conventional summer. We are all conscious of the moans, disquiet, and angst there is around our tourism world at present. To go back to basics, on an inbound flight full of happy children and families, should be refresher training for all.

We are in danger of losing the plot and not appreciating what we do so well on this island. Let’s hear it for the family hotels, the entertainers and everyone who goes out their way to make holidays happen for thousands in Mallorca, every year.