The Growth of an Island – Mallorca
February 23rd, 2009 by Caroline
A lot has changed for the island of Mallorca in the last 60 years. Today tourism and adventure bring an estimated 22 million people to island, a number that has doubled itself year after year since the island became well known during the 1950′s. Back then, the number started out to be about 500,000 travelers, gradually increasing in number as the popularity increased. Many aspects of the island have drawn people from all over the world to this, the largest of the four islands that are off the coast of mainland Spain.
The island started to grow in popularity due to the moderate weather and beautiful beaches and people from countries such as England or Germany found that they could escape the dreariness and the coldness of the weather of their homelands for just a bit of revitalization at one of the many resorts, five star hotels Mallorca luxury hotels Mallorca has to offer. Travel agencies began to offer package deals which allowed the not-so-wealthy to be able to afford and enjoy a type of vacation they had previously not been able to afford. Entire families were now able to travel to this exotic island together. This has brought change to island, due to the booming economy of tourism. Now people from South America and mainland Spain are emigrating to Mallorca in search of jobs. This immigration is responsible for subtle shifts in the socio-cultural make up on the island.
This is a long way from the times of salt mines and olive tree orchards of 123 BC. And a long way away from the turmoil of civil war and conquests and occupations by various countries over the 1000s of years of history of Mallorca. Mining of salt and the cultivation of olives and grapes still remain an important and viable means of economic support for the island. However with the beautiful beaches for relaxing and swimming to the festivals that draw thousands upon thousands of visitors to the island every year to the many discounted tours now available to the common man, tourism is the driving force behind the economy today. This island with it’s breezy warm summers and mild winters has become a haven for peace and tranquility.
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- The Foods of Mallorca
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