Going nowhere

I am afraid that our appeal for more winter flights has fallen on deaf ears. Willie Walsh the chief executive of the new merged Iberia/British Airways airline said that it was simply not viable for airlines to operate more winter flights. This is a great shame and effectively means the end of any plans in the short-term to attract more winter tourists.

However, I am convinced that if the local authorities made more of an effort to promote the islands during the winter then perhaps the airlines might change their mind. Willie Walsh and the Chief Executive of the TUI Group, Peter Long, have both said that the weather during the winter rather rules the island out of the winter/sun programme. However, Palma is still a fantastic place and has plenty to offer, from great restaurants to great shops. But, the local business community needs to make an effort. It must ensure that all businesses are opening on Saturdays and even Friday night.

Barcelona has been successfully promoted as a getaway holiday destination. Why? because shops and restaurants are all open at the weekend. Why can't the Balearics follow Barcelona´s example? For the Balearics it would be a win, win, win situation. There would be more winter tourists, more winter flights and at least expatriates could fly back to Britain. During the recent ABTA convention, delegates were rather amazed that there were not more flights to Majorca during the winter. Unfortunately, it is all true and we all suffer!