Almost six and a half million tourists visited the island during 2011, of which 5.5 million were foreign residents.

Regionally the Balearics were only topped by the Canary Islands.

There were 54 million overnight stays in the Balearics out of 286.6 million nationally.

Of the 41.6 million nights spent in Mallorca hotels, 8.7 million were in Calvia and 8.1 in Palma de Mallorca.

This year expectations for international tourist arrivals in the Balearic Islands are high. Regional president Jose Ramon Bauza and Tourism Minister Carlos Delgado believe that this year will “see the biggest increase in recent years.”

In particular they predict that there will be plenty of British and German tourists, the latter due to the strength of their economy. However, their expectations from the domestic market was not as hopeful.

Meanwhile, the estimated volume of reservations for package tours to the Balearics is at similar levels to 2010, according to Marcial Rodriguez, director of the Balearic Tourism Agency ABT.

“Tour operators will continue to offer the islands as a tourist destination,” he said. The Balearics is a “strategic” destination, he believes.

Best in EU

The National Statistics Institutes estimates revealed similar results to a new report by EU statistics office Eurostat.

It calculated, with 288 million overnight stays, that Spain topped the EU followed by Italy, Germany and France respectively.

The total nights spent in hotels across the EU last year was 1.6 billion. In 2011 non-residents accounted for almost half of the total number of nights spent in hotels in the EU.

Spain again topped this list with 177 million overnight stays by non-residents in 2011, almost 15 per cent more than the year before.

Overnight stays increased in all EU countries except Italy, with the biggest rise seen in Lithuania, with almost 20 per cent more than the previous year.

By Nicole Hallett

Initiated by Palma’s Councillor for Tourism, Francisca Bennassar Tous, Palma 365 aims to develop new ideas and offers to attract winter visitors as well as ensuring that its virtues are recognised by a wide international audience. Public institutions such as the Port Authority and AENA (Airport Authority) have joined forces with private companies such as Air Berlin and Iberostar who have been enticed to participate on the promise of widespread PR offered by IMTUR (Municipal Institute for Tourism). Each business has pledged several thousand euros to Palma 365 with Palma Council matching this private sector investment creating a total of 3.6 million euros for the year.

Stephen Dight, Managing Director of Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty, comments, “Of course in the broadest sense Mallorca will always be known for sun and beach tourism, and that’s what keeps the cogs of the Island’s economy turning, but it does have plenty of other personalities. With many people preferring several mini breaks as opposed to one fortnight abroad, Palma stands out as a perfect destination for a winter weekend of music, art, culture, fiestas, wellness, shopping and cuisine. Meanwhile its vast marina sustains year-round nautical activity and some of Mallorca’s most sought-after golf courses, such as celebrity-favourite Golf Son Gual, are within just a few kilometres of the City’s boundaries. Throw in mild winters with very little rainfall, this January we’ve had temperatures well into the 20s, and you can see why Palma 365 makes so much sense.”

Featuring high on Palma 365’s list of the City’s best attractions are the Copa del Rey sailing regatta renowned as the most important in the Mediterranean with 120 boats participating in 2011, “BiciPalma” launched in March last year, a “Boris Bike” equivalent with over 300 bicycles available from 28 docking stations, Mallorca Surf Action when over 40,000 spectators and world champions gather together on Palma’s Can Pastilla beach in August and the magical summer music nights at the stunning Castillo de Bellver – where Palma 365 aptly chose to have its launch.

Agenda Palma 365 will be attending exhibitions and trade fairs across key European cities with the intention to attract both business travellers and holidaymakers. Sportsmen are another target market for the Island and already in January 2012 Mallorca has played host to the Premiership’s Chelsea FC for five days mid-season training and relaxation at Real Mallorca’s Son Bibiloni Stadium alongside cyclists Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky and Team GB who all chose the Island for their pre-season training camp this month.

An NIE, abbreviation for Número de Identificación de Extranjero, is essential for the Spanish tax authorities to keep track of non-resident property owners and the payment of taxes on income and wealth. The number must be obtained by the time deeds are signed at the notary and purchasers are recommended to apply around one month before signing if attending a Spanish police station in person or two months if applying via a consulate or embassy overseas.

Chris Mercer of Mercers Ltd comments, “We have never, in 28 years of trading, had a problem with buyers obtaining their NIE in person. Admittedly it can be a hassle but if people are pre-warned and prepared they simply accept it. Of course no one likes hanging around for anything but Spain is legendary for its bureaucracy, and most people are aware of that, so it’s expected and almost part of its charm.”

Chris continues, “Will the new rules deter anyone from buying a home in Spain? I very much doubt it. We can still recommend fiscal representatives who will help with the legwork, the translations, the notarized property details and passport copy and there are even companies out there who will stand in the queue for a small fee. Mercers’ property buyers are not buying multi-million pound homes and anyone who is, is likely to be doing so through an offshore company anyway. They are ordinary people who don’t mind a few tedious hours at a police station to get the home of their dreams in the sunshine and at a bargain recession price to boot.”

Overall, 68% of those asked said that they felt happier where they were than in the UK, although for certain countries this figure was much higher. Spain ranked number one for expat happiness, with over three quarters, 75.9%, of Brits living there saying they are happier than back at home. Germany also rates highly on the happiness scale with 71% saying they are happier than in the UK.

‘Much has been made of the gloomy economic outlook in Spain and the government’s austerity programme, but despite this stream of bad news, British expats think their financial prospects are better there than in the UK. But more importantly, it seems a good quality of life, perhaps including the sunny weather and the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle, are contributing to Spain’s place as number one for general happiness,’ said Nicholas Boys Smith of Lloyds TSB International.

John Kramer, an expat living in Andalucia, told the news provider Spain offers an “outdoor lifestyle, traditional family values and positive outlook on life”.

Those considering purchasing a property in Spain with the intention of moving to the nation may be encouraged by the findings of this study.

A Place in the Sun magazine recently revealed the country remains the top choice for Brits looking to buy real estate overseas.

The publication quizzed visitors at two of its live exhibitions and found Spain was a more popular option than other favourites such as France, Portugal, Italy and the USA.

The report which identifies the key travel trends for this year, compiled from in-depth research acquired from more than 1000 holidaymakers explains how, in in spite of the current Eurozone crisis, more than 28% of respondents stated that a holiday this year was vital to their health and wellbeing with almost 1 in 3 sun seekers stating that they will be heading to the Iberian nation for their main holiday in 2012.

Meanwhile, a global ranking report from the Spanish holiday property rental portal HomeAway.es, which surveyed around 1,213 users in November 2011, revealed Malaga as the favoured location for British travellers while Palma de Mallorca took second place.

In addition to this, 6 Spanish cities appeared in the Top 10 Holiday destinations report for July, August and September 2011 highlighting Spain’s unflagging appeal. In further support of this, the Benidorm hoteliers association (HOSBEC) 2011 witnessed a 6%increase in hotel accommodation occupancy rates across the Costa Blanca, rising to an impressive 74.2%.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey Españacomments,

“While Spain broke its own tourism record last year, the popularity of the nation looks set to grow even further in 2012. For example, Alicante airport on the Costa Blanca which saw 10 million passengers in 2011, an increase of 500,000 on the previous year has received 15% more requests for flight slots in summer 2012 according to the Spanish airport authority (AENA) which is great news for Spanish tourism and property markets this year.”

In Alicante alone, a greater number of flight operations will be taking place in 2012 seeing the new Icelandic airline WOW Air offer two new weekly flights from Alicante to Reykjavik in Iceland and Zurich, increasing frequency as the year progresses with Swiss airline Edelweiss Air.

In addition, Jet2.com will open a link with Edinburgh and increase frequencies to Belfast, East Midlands and Newcastle while easyJet will add a new route to the fifth airport in London, Southend. The Russian market will also be strengthened with a weekly charter flight to St. Petersburg from Alicante as of April 2012.

As one of the most famous coastlines in Spain, the Costa Blanca, which attracts millions of visitors each year is traditionally a favourite destination for foreign buyers drawn to the clear blue waters, miles of golden sandy beaches, quaint villages, sophisticated cafes and restaurants and an abundance of historical, cultural and leisure activities.

For those who are thinking about making a Spanish property purchase this year on the sunny Costa Blanca, why not take a look at what Taylor Wimpey España has to offer in 2012.

 The new Lagunas del Sol development, a residential complex set in a beautiful rural area and located close to the heart of Rojales is made up of townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

The properties have been built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens available now from €114,920.

The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe, Costa Blanca perfectly matches buyer’s needs.Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terrace and private parking costing from just €165,000 + NO VAT until 29^th February 2012.

This private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to theAlenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €189,000 + NO VAT until 29^th February 2012.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visitwww.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

The properties are built on two floors with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a garden and private parking. All the properties have been built to excellent specifications and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens that comprise the communal area of the residential complex.

Lots of light and nature, right in the heart of Alicante’s Vega Baja region, Rojales is one of the principal destinations for residential tourism on Spain’s east coast. In a privileged setting, Rojales is only 10 minutes from the beach and has an excellent road communications network which enables easy access to the international airport of El Altet within 35 minutes and Alicante’s capital, in 45 minutes. Rojales is also only 8km from the golden dunes and wild beaches of Guardamar del Segura.

TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE IN SPAIN, COSTA BLANCA

Townhouse 2 Beds:

Total Built Area: approx. 81 m²

Townhouse 3 Beds:

Total Built Area:: approx. from 92 m² to 100 m²

Building Specifications – Lagunas del Sol (pdf)

Finishes (pdf)

According to new research, the country’s resorts will pull in a significant number of tourists in 2012 thanks to falling prices. The increasing strength of the pound against the euro is making destinations across the eurozone more attractive to holiday makers.

A survey compiled by the Post Office looked at the cost of buying eight holiday essentials including sun tan lotion and a bottle of beer in 40 locations around the world. In Spain’s Costa del Sol, the shopping list cost £37.72, making it the cheapest top short-haul destination for Brits. The price of goods was found to be 40 per cent lower than five years ago.

For UK holiday makers planning on travelling further afield, Sri Lanka was by far the cheapest destination, where the list of items cost just £27.95.

However, experts say value for money, rather than just cheap prices, is expected to be the main factor affecting travellers’ choices in 2012.

Sarah Monro, Post Office head of travel money said: “The winning destinations will be those that offer good value not just for flights and accommodation but for tourist staples like meals out and drinks.

“Holidaymakers will be looking very carefully at their own finances before committing to a holiday – 2012 will be all about affordability.”

Holiday Barometer

SPAIN – COSTA DEL SOL

Cup of coffee – £1.09
Bottle of beer – £1.82
Coke -£1.09
Mineral water (1.5 litre) – 35p
Factor 15 sun cream – £4.50
Insect repellent – £2.50
20 Marlboros – £3.64
Three course meal for two with wine – £22.73
TOTAL: £37.72

In an ongoing effort to reduce the volume of stock property in Spain and stimulate the construction sector, the Spanish Government has set IVA (the equivalent of VAT) at 50% until the end of 2012, making purchasers of both first (mostly Spanish nationals) and second new homes liable for only 4% of the purchase price, a saving of €8,000 on a €200,000 home.

But those who purchase a new build property on the stunning Balearic island of Mallorca or Costa Blanca through leading house builder Taylor Wimpey Spain before 29^th February 2012 can enjoy an extra 4% off the purchase price, in effect making the property VAT free. Offer on stock properties (limited units).

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of Taylor Wimpey España explains,

“2012 is set to be the year to invest in Spanish property. Not only will buyers be feeling the benefits of the government reduced IVA (VAT) rate of 4% but they can take advantage of special offers such as our VAT free properties available until the end of February.”

For Spanish property hunters looking to make hefty savings without compromising on quality, Taylor Wimpey España are offering superb Spanish properties located in the popular areas of the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and the Balearic island of Mallorca, VAT free until the 29^thFebruary 2012.

El Puerto II, Cala D’Or, Mallorca

Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’OrEl Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just €195,000 + NO VAT until 29^thFebruary 2012.

With communal swimming pools available these properties are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty offering various other activities such as water sports, biking and golf in the local area.

Pollentia Mar, Puerto Pollença, Mallorca

Located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença, Pollentia Mar is a two bedroom apartmentcomplex,just 50 meters from the beachand Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade with the last unit fully furnished and VAT free.

The development is a single block of apartments with a communal area and swimming pool. It also has private parking spaces in the basement and four lifts with prices starting at €275,500 + NO VAT until 29^th February 2012.

Calpesol, Calpe, Costa Blanca

The Calpesol residential complex in Calpe, Costa Blanca perfectly matches buyer’s needs.Comprised of stunning houses with gardens, this development affords communal swimming pools and three bedroom and two bathroom properties with roofed sun terrace and private parking costing from just €165,000 + NO VAT until 29^th February 2012.

Brisas de Alenda, Alicante, Costa Blanca

This private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to theAlenda Golf Course while the wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute away.

The townhouses come with fully-furnished kitchens, equipped with a vitro-ceramic hob, extractor hood and oven as well as air-conditioning with heat pump, and fitted out wardrobes. All homes are set over two floors with spacious terraces, gardens and two bathrooms.

The Brisas de Alenda Golf complex has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house as well as a gym, bar and restaurant costing from just €189,000 + NO VAT until 29^th February 2012.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visitwww.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Vueling, Spain’s leading low fare airline, today announced it is bolstering its destinations from Cardiff Airport this summer with the addition of two new destinations, Alicante and Palma, Mallorca. The new scheduled services will commence from 22 June 2012 and will be operated by 150-seat Airbus A319 aircraft three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Today’s news follows hard on the heels of the announcement in October to commence Cardiff-Barcelona services from March, marking the first direct Vueling service from the UK to Barcelona, the airline’s home base. From 27th March flights to Barcelona will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, then from 24th June the schedule will alter to Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to accommodate the increasing interest in the cruise market from Barcelona.  Most cruises set sail on a Saturday so these flights will enable passengers to arrive at a convenient time in order to join their chosen cruise and spend a final night in Barcelona before returning home.

Lead in fares to all destinations will start from approximately £41.41 (€49.99) and tickets are available now via www.vueling.com, travel agents, Vueling’s iPhone application, mobile portal m.vueling.com, and call centre UK number 0906 754 7541.  Previously only on offer up to mid-June, Vueling has now extended its summer sale to include flights throughout the entire peak summer and school holiday period.

Vueling flights offer a wealth of onward connections available via Vueling’s successful Barcelona Hub operations, currently accessing over 40 destinations in Europe and North-Africa, with full baggage through check-in from Cardiff Airport to final destination.

“We are delighted to be able to expand our footprint in Wales and increase our schedule to enable passengers from Cardiff to not only enjoy the city of Barcelona for weekend breaks but to also enjoy holidays to other popular Spanish destinations,” said Vueling CEO Alex Cruz.  “Vueling is very pleased to be able to fulfil the local catchment area’s requirement for direct flights to these destinations for both leisure and business travellers.”

Patrick Duffy, Cardiff Airport’s Managing Director adds: “We’re pleased with Vueling’s announcement to operate a further two routes to Alicante and Palma, in addition to the previously announced service to Barcelona. The Spanish low cost carrier will be a welcome addition to South Wales, and will offer our passengers the chance to access some of Europe’s leading holiday destinations from their local airport. In addition the airline, which has a very high profile in Spain, will also give Spanish passengers the opportunity to visit Wales. We look forward to the start of the airline’s operations from Cardiff from the end of March, and trust the Welsh consumers will support these services.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Welsh Government Business Minister, Edwina Hart:” This is excellent news for the airport and for the wider region – the routes are to very popular holiday destinations and have the potential to significantly increase traffic from Cardiff Airport. It also opens up closer business and tourism links between Wales and Spain bringing benefits to both countries.”

Vueling provides a service that mirrors traditional carrier practices including seat selection, options to book through travel agencies, loyalty point’s schemes, an extensive network and premium services. It’s even possible to buy gift vouchers for Vueling flights as special gifts.

The country welcomed 56.9 million foreign tourists last year, an 8.1 percent increase over 2010, Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria told a news conference.

Britain accounted for the biggest jump in arrivals, with the number of visitors from the country up 9.1 percent.

The number of arrivals from Germany, the second most important source of tourists to Spain, rose 3.0 percent last year.

Tourism has been one of the few bright spots in the Spanish economy, which has been battered by high unemployment and sluggish growth since the collapse of a property bubble in 2008.

In 2010 Spain received 52.6 million foreign visitors, a rise of 1.0 percent over the previous year and its first increase since 2007.

Spain’s tourism sector, which accounts for about 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, had struggled with the emergence of cheaper sunshine destinations in the eastern Mediterranean.

But it benefited early last year as unrest in rival sunspots such as Tunisia and Egypt caused tourists to switch back to Spain, and an economic recovery in Germany and other key markets prompted more holidays.

Spain is the world’s fourth most-visited country, after France, the United States and China, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.