CAR BOMB IN PALMANOVA KILLS TWO

30 July 2009

Two Guardia Civil officers have died in a car bomb attack in Palmanova, Mallorca. The ETA bomb exploded outside the Guardia Civil barracks in the town at approximately 1.30pm.

Police deactivated another bomb placed beneath a second car near the site of the first explosion.

Police blocked entry to Spain's third biggest airport at Palma de Mallorca, and cruise liners were ordered not to raise anchor. The ban on departures was lifted several hours later, but dozens of flights were believed to have been delayed or cancelled. Police have reportedly been scouring Spain for three cars that were stolen recently in France and which may be being prepared by Eta as car bombs.

This is ETA’s second attack in just over 24 hours, after a massive explosion occurred outside the Guardia Civil barracks in Burgos yesterday, leaving some 50 people injured and causing considerable damage to nearby buildings.

CRUISING HOTSPOT

25 July 2009

Some 1.3 million tourists arrived at ports in the Balearic Islands last year and a recent report by the central government tourism ministry has identified that these figures put the islands as the second most popular location in Spain for cruise liners after Barcelona. In 2008, Barcelona recorded over 2 million cruise visitors for the first time in history.

BRITISH TOURIST CONFIRMED WITH SWINE FLU

24 July 2009

Vicenç Thomas, the Balearic Islands Helath Minister yesterday confirmed that a British tourist taken to hospital in Palma at the weekend does have Swine Flu. He is reported to be in a stable condition and is responding to treatment.

Vicenç also stated that the Spanish Health Service is fully prepared to deal with the spread of the H1N1 virus.

HOT HOT HOT!

23 July 2009

Yesterday saw temperatures in Mallorca hit 44ºC in the north, north-east and inland parts of the island and the regional government have placed the island on 'Orange Alert'.

In some parts of Spain, temperatures in direct sunlight hit a sweltering 61ºC!

During an Orange Alert, anyone who works outside or will be in the open for extended periods of time are advised not to be on their own and to drink water frequently. General advise is to avoid heavy meals, hot food, alcohol & caffeine and to drink at least 2-3 litres every day. It is also recommended that people wear head protection and sun cream.

TOP GEAR COMES TO MALLORCA

22 July 2009

For fans of Top Gear, there's a real treat in store as Jeremy, Richard & James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars and end up in a classic car rally in Mallorca.

Armed with just £3,000 each they are tasked with purchasing a pre-1982 car at auction.

The show is due to air this Sunday.

BRITS TO THE RESCUE

19 July 2009

The way that British tourists are booking their holidays has changed significantly over the past few years driven by a need to save as much money as possible within a difficult economic climate.

The fear of redundancy in particular has led to the British booking their holidays at the very last minute in the hope of getting the best deals - and it works!

Despite fears that the tourism trade in Mallorca will be down by 5% at the end of this Summer, this figure has been amended to just 3% by the International Federation of Tour Operators and Association of British Travel Agents due in the main to a late surge in bookings for Mallorca and Ibiza by British bargain hunters.

Susana Sciacovelli, the Director of the Balearic Island’s Tourism Promotional Department stated that it appeared that the holiday season in Mallorca is going to be saved, although Menorca is still suffering a slight downturn.

Booking holidays last minute does not appear to just be a current trend and this behaviour is expected to continue for many years as tourists wise up to the fact that they can save hundreds of pounds by booking last minute or avoiding tour operators altogether.

Local businesses in Santa Ponsa reliant on British tourists have reported to mallorca-livethedream.com that they are seeing an increase in footfall and they do have more confidence in their future than they did just a few weeks ago.

SWINE FLU ALARM

19 July 2009

The latest victim to die of Swine Flu in Spain is causing some concern amongst health officials as there were no previous health problems.

The 33 year old Nigerian woman with no history of medical conditions died in Palma last Thursday after being admitted to hospital on the Sunday.

Spain has now confirmed a total of 1,222 cases of Swine Flu with fatalities up to four. A 71 year old man died in Madrid last week with Swine Flu; however he did have a pre-existing health problem. Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez said swine flu could kill about as many people as ordinary flu, which claims some 8,000 lives annually in Spain.

PALMA THURSDAY NIGHT FEVER

18 July 2009

In association with illesbalears.es, Palma has launched its 'Palma Thursday Night Fever' programme every Thursday during the months of July, August & September.

This involves an extension of the city's opening hours until 12 midnight so that visitors can enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace. Shopping, culture, leisure and transport are all effected by this programme which will mean that we can all enjoy what the city has to offer without clock watching.

We will be able to visit museums, shops, restaurants, galleries and much more every Thursday until midnight during the programme term and in addition to the extension on opening hours, there will also be a number of incentives on offer such as special discounts for shops, bars and restaurants. During this programme there will also be street celebrations and some transport facilities will be free of charge.

Not all businesses in Palma have signed up for the programme; however if you wish to take advantage of Palma Thuraday Night Fever, head for Calle San Miquel and Calle Jaume II where you will not be disappointed.

JIMMY WILL FIX IT - SCOTTISH TOURIST REPAIRS PLANE

17 July 2009

Imagine being on your way home, you are sat on your plane from Menorca to Glasgow and then you hear that the plane is broken and there will be an 8 hour delay.

Just as you resign yourself to the fact that it's going to be 8 hours of hell keeping the kids occupied back in the airport, a passenger on the plane quietly explains to the cabin crew that he is a qualified Thomson aeronautical engineer and offers to fix the fault, does so quickly and before you know it, you are airborne and on your way home!

Well that's exactly what happened on the Thomas Cook flight and due to his intervention, the flight landed just 35 minutes late. That's a case of being in the 'Right place at the Right time!'