“Schörghuber was a pioneer of quality tourism in Majorca”

Staff reporter AT the start of the month, 46-year-old Jordi Tarrida took over as the new general director of Majorca for Arabella Hoteles y Inversiones de España (AHEISA) which owns Arabella Hotel Holding International and is part of the Schörghuber group. Tarrida has replaced Peter P. Tschirky who has left the company to take up a new professional challenge in Switzerland. A. As the new director of Arabella Golf & Spa Resort Mallorca, I will be responsible for the Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida, the Castillo Son Vida and the Mardavall Hotel & Spa as well as the Son Vida and Son Muntanyer golf courses with the Son Quint course due to be opened in 2007. A. I intend to continue to follow the company's path and make sure that we offer maximum quality here in Majorca. I enjoy working as a team and, as the team leader, I like to be comfortable so that I can get the very best out of my highly professional staff working for the group here in Majorca. A. I have been lucky enough to have worked for companies where the primary concern has always been quality but I have always used Majorca as a point of reference because of its high standing in the global tourism and hotel industry. That is why, I immediately accepted the offer from the Schörghuber Group. It's going to be a real challenge working in Majorca but I am really excited about this new stage in my professional career. I have already worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and, more recently, the Westin Resort la Quinta in Marbella. A. Without doubt Majorca. Marbella is a prime example of over development. The only thing it has going for it is the weather. Majorca is in a different league and it is an honour to be working in the island's hotel sector. In Marbella, they've carried on building without any consideration for the local infrastructure and that has led to a gradual decline in the quality of life. Q. What do you think the Schörghuber family's commitment to the island meant for Majorca? A.Majorca has been very lucky to have always had the enthusiasm and love of the Schörghubers. The founder (of the group) was without a doubt the instigator of quality tourism in the island. He gave the island his heart and soul right from the very start. A.In my opinion, I don't like them because we strive to offer quality, especially in our restaurants. I can understand the problem it is causing in Majorca. A.I was surprised to learn that Palma does not have a convention centre but I am very pleased to hear that this is going to be rectified. It will prove vital to the island's economy.