THE KEY FACTORS

Low cost airlines THE rise in “low cost” airline traffic in Palma airport this year has been spectacular, with average percentage varying between 15 and 30 percent. BRITISH tourism is continuing to be the great challenge for the tourism and hotel groups and for the Balearic Government. The Balearic Minister for Tourism, Joan Flaquer, said that in the low and medium seasons there will be promotional campaigns to encourage tourism. On Sunday a report issued by the Spanish Tourist Board in London stated that British holiday bookings for Spain are up one percent. Good news considering this time last year, bookings were 11 percent down on the same period in 2004. Turespaña expects to see a three percent increase in British tourists spending the summer in Spain with the Balearics, in particular Majorca, continuing to be the most popular destination with some great offers currently available for Balearcic holidays for the last-minute bookers. THE problem of seasonal variation still exists, but in contrast with other years, in 2006 there has been a progressive lengthening of the season, which is one of the prime objectives of the Balearic Ministry for Tourism under the present Balearic Government.