17/04/2013 00:00
TW
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By Humphrey Carter

PALMA
AS the Balearic hotel sector begins to start cashing up after the poor Easter period, those which were open for the holiday are preparing to slash their prices while most of the establishments which decided to “wait and see” have decided to remain closed until at least May 1.

But, suggestions that the British market will pick up in time for the summer season continue to emerge from Britain.
Last week, the Co-operative travel confirmed that the Balearics, Majorca in particular, is proving increasingly attractive with young travellers this year and yesterday, new research carried out by Thomas Cook, concludes that Majorca is still cheaper than the UK - despite the weak pound.

According to the report, prices in many overseas resorts are still “significantly cheaper” than staying in the UK, even with the strength of the euro against the pound.

The cheapest destination is Goa in India, where a cup of coffee costs 10 times less than in the UK.
Holidaymakers to Cuba will also enjoy bargain prices, according to the Holiday Cost of Living study by Thomas Cook.
The favourable exchange rates of North African countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco make them great value destinations, as is Turkey.
But, prices in destinations such as mainland Spain, here in Majorca and Cyprus are still cheaper than the UK, despite being in the eurozone.
For example, according to the study, which provides prices of daily holiday essentials in 16 popular tourist destinations worldwide, a three-course meal costs on average just £11.50 in Spain.

The research concludes that here in Majorca, which the Thomas Cook report rates as the month's “best-value-for-money destination”, a beer in a bar costs the equivalent of £2.50 compared to £3.20 in the UK. A coffee in a restaurant, which will cost £2.15 in the UK, costs £1.50 in Majorca and a three-course meal £20.00 compared to £22.50.

The majority of best value destinations for daily expenditure are long and mid-haul non-euro destinations, where the pound goes further.