Humphrey CarterPalma15/03/2016 00:00
TW
4

The Majorca Daily Bulletin today brought the British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, and key members of his team together with representatives of the island's tourism, including the vice-president of the Balearics and minister for tourism, Biel Barcelo, for a key breakfast meeting. This was to analyse how cooperation between the various bodies functioned last season and how the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the local authorities can work together more in ensuring that Britons who holiday here have a safe and enjoyable time, while residents are also better catered for and looked after.

The Ambassador and Consul General, Lloyd Milen, explained how the various social media safety and awareness campaigns  targeting British holidaymakers are successfully working and all parties agreed that last summer the number of incidents in resorts like Magalluf and San Antonio (Ibiza), involving British holidaymakers declined. All those around the table agreed that a further effort, but one involving all parties in government and the tourist industry, needs to combine forces even more this year to maintain the good work and that investment in improving resort infrastructure and quality of services continues to pay dividend.

Palma council was keen to point out the number of activities being organised for the British market to stimulate winter tourism, while Calvia is braced for a record-breaking summer. Majorca is going to attract nearly three million British tourists this year and of the 150,000 who head to Magalluf, one in two are British,  although last year the youth market contracted slightly while the family market grew. Nevertheless, based on the success of last year’s pilot project, the mayor of Calvia, Alfonso Rodriguez, said he will tomorrow officially table that an application for the return of British police is submitted.