05/11/2004 00:00
TW
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By Humphrey Carter THE Balearics is going to pump 24 million euros into promoting tourism next year, an increase of 25 percent. Balearic Tourism Minister, Joan Flaquer, said yesterday that his department will have a total budget of 47.8 million euros for 2005 and over half is going to be spent on promotion.


The Minister said that the primary objective for next year will be to improve the Balearics' image overseas and attract more visitors.
Flaquer said that an extra effort is going to be made to nurture new markets, in particular those in Eastern Europe, while consolidating the market leaders such as the United Kingdom and Germany.

The Minister also explained that extra funds are going to be spent on promoting the old historic part of Palma, developing equestrian holidays in Minorca and creating a network of “ecoplayas” (well maintained virgin beaches). These are just three of a total 12 projects planned for next year.

Flaquer said that the projects have been chosen by the Centre for Tourism Technology and Research from a total 56 put forward by local business associations and public institutions.

The 12 projects relate to all the various areas the Balearic government wants to improve and change tourism.
Some are aimed to help decentralise the tourist industry and boost the low season business, some to promote new technologies while others involve the renovation and improvement of existing tourism resort areas and adopting new tourism models.

For example, one of the new technology projects is setting up a nautical website which will include all the region's marinas, facilities and services.
Two major studies on the effects of the cruise industry and the holiday rental holiday market are to be carried out while in Cala Millor, for example, the resort is to completely remodel how it operates during the summer season by offering new services and facilities to visitors.

The Association of Spanish Airlines has also been given the green light to provide an internet booking service for flights to the Balearics.
Many of these projects are going to be unveiled at the World Travel Market in London next week when Flaquer meets the UK travel press to announce the region's plans for next year.

The new “green card” will also be presented in London. The card, which can either be purchased with the holiday package or on arrival, will entitle holders to discounts at participating stately homes, heritage sites and natural parks, with the extra funds raised being ploughed back into the protection and management of the environment.