Majorca and golf; top choices for model

AMIDST great expectations, the famous German model Claudia Schiffer added a touch of “glamour” to the reputed World Travel Market in London, where all looks and interest headed her way when she was promoting the Balearic Islands yesterday. With a big smile and as nice as ever, Claudia Schiffer attended the fair as an “ambassador” to the islands, and in order to present the fourth edition of the “Mallorca Classic” golf tournament, which will be held in Majorca next year. It seems that the Balearic Government has decided to focus very strongly on selling Majorca as a golfers paradise at this year's travel fair, especially after taking into account the statistics. In 2004 golfing holidays on the island attracted around 87'000 visitors, which in turn generated approximately 160 million euros, confirmed Jaume Matas yesterday. The model, dressed in a simple country-style purple dress, followed the testament of the Hollywood movie star Michael Douglas, who promoted the Balearic Islands last year at the London based fair, which is one of the most important travel fairs for the sector. The presence of Claudia Schiffer “revolutionised” the Balearic stand, to which hundreds of people flocked, amongst them journalists and curious people, who did not want to miss out on the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful blonde women of the world. “My love for Majorca goes back to the 1960*s” said the 35 year old model, who was joined by the Leader of the Balearic Government, Jaume Matas, and the Balearic Minister for Tourism, Joan Flaquer. On a giant television screen a five minute video of the golf tournament was shown accompanied by a background of club music, whilst a group of photographers fixed their lenses on the German model, an inquestionable Queen of the catwalks in the 1990*s. Following this Claudia Schiffer presented the “Mallorca Classic” golf tournament and also highlighted the “fantastic food” and “culture” of the four islands. The golf tournament was created in 2003 and “has been converted into one of the most important tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golf Association)”, she commented at the World Travel Market. The next “Mallorca Classic” tournament will be held from 19 to 22 October in 2006 at the “Pula Golf” golf course, said Schiffer and it will be “a fantastic time to visit the Balearic Islands”. “I have been to many places all over the world for holidays and I still prefer Majorca. But not only Majorca, the rest of the islands also. Each of them have beautiful coastlines”, she said. “I live (in Majorca) near to a golf course and I can see the faces of the golf players”, said the model, who has sold one of her Majorcan houses, although she has kept the family residence.