Balearics receive boost from cruise ship passengers
The Balearic Islands received a much welcomed boost this year of 1.2 million cruise ship passengers, the second highest number in Spain.
Only Cataluña, with the port of Barcelona, received more arrivals via sea between January and September 2011, visited by just over 2 million cruise passengers. Indeed, both Cataluña and the Balearic region have this year, accounted for a 58% share of Spain’s 5.8 million passenger cruise market.
Meanwhile, between January and September 2011 the total number of cruise passengers arriving in Spain was 12.7% higher than last year while it is thought that the total number of cruise passengers could well rise to a record 8 million by the end of this year.
Palma and Barcelona, two of Europe’s busiest ports are now preparing for a significant increase in cruise ship arrivals next year, expecting to see the onset of large North American and Scandinavian cruise ships making their presence felt in Western Mediterranean waters.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, comments,
“Cruise holidays are continually growing in popularity as more people discover the value and variety of sailing the Mediterranean, particularly in the face of a proposed new air transport tax in the UK. At present the cruise industry is flourishing and has seen significant investment pumped into not only the building of new ships but also the expansion and improvement of port facilities, particularly at The Port of Palma which broke records back in August this year when it handled six large 100,000 tonne cruise vessels, carrying a capacity of around 3,000 passengers.
“Indeed, the Mediterranean has become the second most popular cruise destination worldwide after the Caribbean. The great thing here is that cruise passengers stopping off in Palma, Mallorca can choose from a variety of day trips around the island allowing visitors to explore its many beautiful sights and grab a feeling of life on the island – it’s a great way to persuade visitors that a Mallorcan lifestyle is for them.”
For those who are planning on cruising into Mallorca, Taylor Wimpey España has some superb homes available on the golden island.
Located on the south east coast of Mallorca, very close to the glamorous Marina de Cala D’Or El Puerto II consists of 2 bedroom apartments costing from just €195,000 + NO VAT until 2011. With 3 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.
Cala Magrana III in Mallorca, situated close to Cala Anguila beach and the marina of Porto Cristo comprises 21 stunning 2 bedroom apartments surrounding a communal garden with a swimming pool. Ground floor apartments have a spacious terrace with a garden for private use while top floor apartments benefit from a private roof terrace, affording a great price of €220,000 + VAT.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.