TW
5

Everybody deserves an annual break from work and, in the case of parents, a chance to treat their kids to a fun time, more often that not in the sun, in the case of northern Europeans. But like most good things in life it comes at a price.

At the moment, market reports suggest that the Germans, and to the lesser extent, the British, are flocking to the eastern Med., Turkey, Greece, Egypt and even Tunisia. Why? Because, primarily, it is cheaper than coming to Majorca, especially with regards to family holidays. That is where all-inclusive packages come in and even the Balearic Minister for Tourism, Bel Busquets, admitted to the Bulletin that she quite understands the attraction for families on a budget.

Yes, it is currently cheaper to head East, but what do people want - the cheapest holiday they can find or a quality experience which they may well enjoy more and return home with a real sense of having got their money’s worth, or more?

And are the British gobbling up Turkey? The leading tour operators are still pushing and advertising holidays there in the UK media, indicating that there is certainly still plenty of space, while bookings for Majorca may be a few points down, but it is holding its own and ,of course, has much more capacity than its competing destinations. Majorca has learnt that it is not all about filling the place up in the summer months but having a longer season, so my money is on another record season.