The Balearics boosts sales to Europe

PALMA
THE Balearic Islands increased export of its products to the main economies of Europe during the first half of this year, said the Majorcan Chamber of Commerce yesterday.

However, these are countries which have sent less tourists to the Islands during the holiday season than in previous years because most were suffering from recession and an ailing economy, particularly the United Kingdom where the Gross Product fell by 5.5 percent. According to the Chamber of Commerce, Balearic exports to France, the UK, Germany and Italy were up by 1.2 percent. In terms of tourists coming to the Balearics during the first half of 2009, the largest downturn (-12.6%) reported the Chamber, was registered from Britain, followed by Germany (-7.3%) in spite of the fact that their Gross Product had risen by 0.3%. Italy sent 9 percent less visitors and France 3 percent less.