Editorial: Mixed fortunes

HUNDREDSof flights to Majorca were snapped up within minutes of easyJet launching their winter programme earlier this week. The full schedule is still not online  but the daily London link proved popular with bookers who were looking for a bargain and also a flight to the island during the low season. I think finally British travel companies are waking up to the idea of a limited winter holiday programme. I am told that British tour firms are looking to set-up a small programme which would involve a handful of hotels but there would be additional flights from Britain. All this is a step in the right direction and hopefully it will continue to grow.  More flights should equal more demand. What is encouraging is that the tourist industry agrees (and they don´t often agree) on the need to boost winter tourism. But I am also slightly concerned about the delayed start to the holiday season. Yesterday, Ifinally saw the beach beds and parasols being put out on the Playa de Palma. About time. Building work is still taking place in some resorts and you don´t get the impression that the island is open for business on a big scale. Some hotels are open but many have delayed their opening until next week. So while there is reason to cheer the signs of a revival in winter tourism, there is cause for concern about Majorca´s main course, the start of the summer season. We should have been open for business weeks ago. This delayed start is not good at all.