This year's growth in the number of cycling tourists will be between 15 and 20%. This demand has increased progressively in the last few years and is shooting up this year, suggest the tour operators Max Hürzeler Bicycle Holidays and Diana Sportsreisen, which work closely with the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.
The Majorca Hoteliers Federation says that its members have adapted to the diversification in tourist demand that cycling represents. Over several years, investment has been made in equipping hotels for this market, and there are now some 120 hotels across the islands which have, among other things, workshops for maintenance and repair, storage, gyms and special menus. In diversifying away from only the summer season, the positive impact, over and above simply economic, has been and is being felt in most of Majorca's tourist resort areas, but especially those of Playa de Palma, the bay of Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa, Cala Ratjada and Cala Millor.
The existing road network, with many roads classified as cycling tourism routes, is something else that has encouraged tour operators and sports events' organisers to set their sights on Majorca. An example of these events is Mallorca 312, the seventh staging of which will occur in April. Professors at the University of the Balearic Islands have undertaken a study of the impact of this particular event, which will this year attract some 4,000 participants. They will generate, it is estimated, some 9.3 million euros of business volume over some eight days. With a daily spend per person of 160 euros, this is well above other niches in the low season, and two-thirds of the visitors come from the UK, Germany and Sweden.
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This is fantastic! I would love to help develop the cycle tourism on this beautiful island :) With comprehensive experience in servicing road bikes for some of Mallorca's leading operators I am seeking further work as a bicycle mechanic at a bike rental or hotel. Please let me know as soon as any opportunities arise. Saludos, Martyn (www.velovista.wordpress.com; +34642786386).
Finally some tourism that is really healthy for the people of the island. Money that is being spent by cyclists in small businesses (cafés, bike rental, guides etc) rather than into the big corporate hotel pockets.
At least spare a thought for poor old motorists amidst all this gloating about money and profit.Massive packs of speeding cyclists emerging from side roads with nary a glance left or right,blocking country lanes and ignoring the rules of the road at roundabouts. I could go on! Where is the enjoyment in this obsessive"sport"? They certainly dont look at the scenery or the panoramic vistas. Heads down pedalling like mad,following the sweaty ares of the bloke in front. Give me Magaluf any day!