19/02/2004 00:00
TW
0

MAJORCA'S new convention centre in Palma is open and has already hosted a number of important international business conferences.
The leading Majorcan international hotel chain Sol Melia will officially open its new Convention Centre at the Gran Melia Victoria in the Spring, but the 10.3 million euro project is nearing full completion and there is already high demand from companies wishing to hold their convention at Palma's new centre. Sol Melia, the world's largest resort hotel company, operates a special “Meeting Sol Melia” service for the international business community and the company believes that its new centre in Palma will significantly help the development of business travel to the island. Both the private sector and the local authorities are working hand-in-hand to expand Majorca's convention industry by attracting more businesses to the island by offering more professional services and facilities. The convention sector is also considered to be one of the key ingredients to Majorca's year-round tourist industry.
Next to the Gran Melia Victoria hotel, the convention centre has been built in traditional Majorcan architectural style. It covers an area of 1'300 square metres and includes ten meeting rooms plus the large “Sala Magna” which has a maximum capacity of 500 guests. The centre is equipped with all the latest business and meeting facilities using state-of-the art technology, plus kitchens, and car parking for 100 vehicles. The Balearic Ministry for Tourism considers the convention sector part of Majorca's future tourism industry, apart from being a highly lucrative part of the market and key driving force of the local economy.

Included in the plans for the redevelopment of Palma's sea front, is a convention centre and a possible adjoining five star hotel.
Last November, Palma hosted the Association of British Travel Agents' annual convention. Some 2'000 people attended and the three-day convention was declared a huge success, proving that Palma already has the extra services. The city was merely lacking modern and attractive convention facilities, such as the new Sol Melia Convention Centre. In the wake of the success of the ABTA conference, this year, its German equivalent is expected to host its annual convention in Palma.