27/09/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
INTERNATIONAL tourism took on a new meaning yesterday with the Balearics becoming a key centre on the globe where innovation technology is to be dedicated to research and development in the tourist industry.

The project, which aims to boost the most important sector of the regional economy through diversification, is the result of an agreement signed yesterday between the Balearic government - through its representation in the management team of the ParcBIT technology and recycling park on Majorca - and the Microsoft company. The initial accord will run for three years and it is anticipated that the programme could bring in 400'000 euros annually.

The central hub of the organisation, which will have a core staff of five people, is expected to be up and running in less than a year. It will be the eighth scheme of its kind that Microsoft has in Spain. The installations will be located in one of the modular blocks in ParcBIT which is situated on the outskirts of Palma and will occupy a surface area of 200 square metres.