| Talk about name dropping, if islands could do it, | | | | thanks in large part to Majorca's draw of visitors, |
| Majorca would have an impressive list. | | | | Spain has become the second most visited country in |
| The Spanish island is popular with celebrities, | | | | the world. It is second only to France for the most |
| dignitaries, politicians and royalty. Native Spaniards | | | | foreign tourists in a year. |
| have long been aware of King Juan Carlos' love for | | | | Majorca has invested billions of dollars in the tourism |
| the area. He even maintains a retreat and moors a | | | | sector since the 1960s. Apparently, the investment |
| yacht there for his regular Majorca holidays. In fact, | | | | paid off and continues to do so today. The island |
| the isle is popular with the entire royal family, including | | | | draws over 6 million tourists annually. An astounding |
| King Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, who also holidays | | | | 95 percent of Majorca's economy is directly or |
| there frequently. | | | | indirectly sparked by tourism. |
| Other famous visitors to this Spanish paradise include | | | | Both short-term and long-term holiday-makers are |
| Queen Elizabeth of England, actress Patsy Palmer, | | | | drawn to the area mainly for its sunshine, beaches |
| actor Michael Douglas, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, | | | | and breathtaking natural beauty. Hotels do a brisk |
| musician Mike Oldfield and more. Celebrities from all | | | | business in every region of the Spanish isle. Tourists |
| over the world have purchased vacation properties | | | | who like to stay longer and visit more frequently |
| and second (or third or fourth) homes on the island. | | | | (especially the rich and famous) have helped to keep |
| Majorca is so popular with the rich and famous that it | | | | the real estate business booming on Majorca. The |
| isn't unusual for residents to spot a celebrity on any | | | | politically stable climate of Spain has made its many |
| given day. And though it is the largest of Spain's | | | | tourist destinations, including Majorca, popular places |
| many islands, at 3700 square kilometers, it isn't the | | | | to invest in property. |
| easiest place in the world to hide. Still, with its private | | | | These are just a few of the reasons that the British |
| beaches and secluded mountain retreats, it offers | | | | newspaper The Telegraph recently touted Majorca |
| enough solace to continue enticing celebrities as it has | | | | on its "best of" list. |
| for almost 50 years. | | | | It noted that the island's 'lovely' geography and |
| Majorca's year round population stands at less than | | | | natural features make it a particularly worthwhile |
| one million, smaller than many major cities. Yet tourist | | | | destination for travelers. Majorca remains extremely |
| numbers may double that number on a given day, | | | | popular with outdoor lovers. Both celebrities and the |
| especially during the peak travel season. | | | | average vacationer alike appreciate the quality of |
| The biggest piece of the tourism pie comes from | | | | outdoor life that can be found on the island. As long |
| other European countries and the UK. However, | | | | as Spain remains politically stable, Majorca will surely |
| Majorca has become increasingly popular with visitors | | | | continue to draw visitors from around the world in |
| from North America in the last two decades. In fact, | | | | the decades to come. |
