Tourists appear to be waiting till the last moment to book a Balearic Islands vacation this year. As we get well into 2009, bookings are down by nearly 20 percent across the board: the largest drop in nearly 20 years.

In previous years hotels and resorts on the Balearic Islands were booked six to eight months in advance. The most popular rental areas reported advanced bookings of up to 10 months during prime vacation months. This doesn't mean tourists aren't visiting the islands; they're just waiting longer to book their vacation.

Outlook High for 2009 Tourism to Menorca and Ibiza

Menorca is the second largest island of the Balearics; Ibiza is third largest. Both islands hold reputations for being less expensive than Majorca because they are less-populated during the busiest summer months. Tourism experts believe the number of visitors to the Balearic Islands will increase as prime vacation months approach. It is widely speculated that many regular visitors to the islands are waiting for prices to hit rock bottom before they book a vacation to Menorca or Ibiza.

Low cost airfare to the Balearics from several destinations in Europe helped boost tourism during 2007 and 2008. In addition to other routes, RyanAir recently announced a new low cost route to Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands. The number of night clubs on Ibiza has earned the island the reputation of being a party island. The tourism office is confident that even with its party reputation, families with children enjoy the time they spend on Ibiza. The night life atmosphere doesn't interfere with the daytime family atmosphere, effectively offering the best of both worlds.

Investment Vacation Homes on the Balearic Islands

Property investors have increased the number of homes they purchased on the Balearic Islands over the last few years. Some investors are currently holding empty properties simply because not as many people are planning vacations in advance. Summer is quickly approaching in North America, while winter is beginning to settle into other parts of the world. The Balearics are the perfect year-round vacation spot for international visitors.

Investment vacation homes are always a risk to the investor. The key to owning a successful investment property is generating a nice return on the investment. Even in today's struggling economy, people are not foregoing their usual Balearics vacation; they're simply looking for the best prices possible. Renters may still receive a hefty return on their investment property as the 2009 tourist season progresses and more tourists flock to the islands.

Every vacation to the Balearic Islands should be an unforgettable experience. In a struggling economical situation, people look for the best possible prices they can find. Great deals on accommodations in conjunction with low cost airfare are sure to attract more tourists to the islands this year. All travellers, especially international travellers, appear to be waiting till the last minute to book a Balearic Islands vacation. Don't give up on the 2009 vacation season just yet!

Holidays, flights and other travel resources including hotels in Mallorca can be found on travel site yourmajorca.net Travel companies who have holiday to Majorca deals for this summer are on-line along with a five day Majorca weather forecast

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