SPANISH ISLANDS
he Spanish Islands will always be absolutely key to the short-haul holiday market, and have benefited from a big surge in bookings over the summer as the euro has weakened against the pound. As autumn arrives, the focus switches from the
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Balearics towards the Canaries, because of their warmer climate being much further south – off the coast of north-west Africa rather than in the Mediterranean. But the Balearic island of Majorca has strong year-round appeal, with plenty of culture as well as sunshine, and the two-hour flying time from most of the UK makes it ideal for a short break. Short breaks are also an increasingly popular option
to the Canaries, despite the average four-hour flight. Between them the various constituent islands offer plenty of contrasting experiences – from mountain and desert vistas in Gran Canaria to small villages in Tenerife. Some airlines now fly daily from the largest UK gateways to the main Canary Islands, especially to the most popular island, Tenerife.
Spanish Islands What's New Monarch Airlines added a three-times-weekly
scheduled service between Gatwick and Palma, Majorca in July, joining existing Palma routes from Luton, Birmingham and Manchester. Attraction World has added 11 tours in Majorca,
including a half-day option to Valldemossa (£29), the Caves of Drach (£42) and the Son Amar dinner show (from £70). The 328-room Majorca Rocks Hotel has opened in Magaluf, Majorca, aiming at the youth market with a focus on rock music like its predecessor, Ibiza Rocks. Also new in Majorca are Cap Rocat, a 19th century fortress transformed into a luxury boutique hotel; and the Pegasus Playa in Playa de Palma, aimed at the gay market. Cosmos is increasing its upmarket focus in the Canaries, adding Dream Place hotels in Tenerife and Lanzarote, and Riu all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria. Thomas Cook granted 20 Tenerife hotels its Award for Excellence in 2010.
Accessible, affordable and warm - how can your clients resist the Spanish Islands, asks Dave Richardson?
Spanish Islands Trade Focus Tenerife Tourism Corporation is doing its bit to boost
agent knowledge with an online training programme. Nearly 500 agents have registered for the online training at
www.TenerifeXpert.com, and the majority of these have already become TenerifeXperts.
Spanish Islands Niche
Tenerife is well placed to soak up increasing demand for winter sun, and has an increasing focus on upmarket, spa and golf breaks with a growing number of five-star hotels. New hotels in Tenerife include Vincci Seleccion Buenavista Golf & Spa, in the lesser visited north; the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador, in Costa Adeje; and a boutique rural hotel, Casa del Patio, near Mount Teide.
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Above, left to right: The twin-towered Santa Ana Cathedral, Gran Canaria; woodland on La Gomera; succulent seafood
thedeal seal
Change the image: Despite its party image, Ibiza is a good choice for families if you recommend a resort such as Santa Eulalia or Playa d’en Bossa
THREE IMAGE © TURESPAÑA
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