Mallorca • Issue No. 2055 • 21 - 27 Nov 2024
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A presidential pastime Tourism boom
THE sailing yacht Koru, one of the world’s most prestigious superyachts, anchored in the Bay of Palma on Sunday, November 17. Owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the yacht last visited Palma during her maiden voyage two years ago. Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, arrived taking a helicopter to Koru’s support vessel, and then boarding the yacht via a fast launch. The couple spent a few days exploring Mallorcan waters before heading to the South of France, where they became engaged. Built by Oceanco in the Netherlands, Koru is valued at over $500 mi-
Obama’s brief visit.
Sailing in luxury Credit: Sail Trip Mallorca
BARACK OBAMA visited Mallorca for a golf getaway. The former US President arrived at Palma de Mallorca airport on Monday November 18, aboard the private jet of Daniel Loeb, an American fund manager and philanthropist. To ensure privacy, he disembarked in the hangar area and exited through a service barrier reserved for firefighters and cargo, monitored by the Guardia Civil. During his brief visit of under 24 hours, Obama stayed at the Mallorcan residence of his friend James Costos, the former US ambassador to Spain, where Michelle Obama has spent previous summers. The following morning, he took advantage of his few hours in Spain to play golf, one of his great passions, in the company
Photo: Facebook/Barack Obama
“Barack Obama tees off in Mallorca”
Koru in the Bay of Palma.
of close friends at the Son Gual golf course. He appeared to be in good spirits and excellent shape. However, those who recognised him were unable to take photos due to the strict security measures surrounding him. Soon, it was time to depart. At around 4pm on Tuesday, November 19, Obama left Spain for Qatar. Barack Obama is an avid golf player and regularly played during weekends and holidays while in office, occasionally partnering with Bill Clinton or even Tiger Woods. Obama’s technique was refined by Butch Harmon, one of Tiger Woods’ former coaches. The sole purpose of Obama’s Mallorca visit was to enjoy a round of golf, highlighting his enduring love for the sport.
llion and was delivered in April 2023. Featuring cutting-edge technology and sails from North Sails, she also underwent trials in the Bay of Palma. Her 75-metre support ship, Abeona, offers additional crew accommodation, a helipad, and storage for supplies. On Monday afternoon, Koru departed Palma under sail as her crew tested her advanced equipment.
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THE Balearics are on track to set new records for tourist arrivals in 2024. In 2023, the region welcomed 17.8 million visitors, 1.3 million more than in 2022. This year, it’s not a question of if that figure will be surpassed, but by how much. Latest data from Spain’s airports reveal that the Balearics’ three airports handled 1.6 million international arrivals in October, a 7.6 per cent increase on 2023, bringing the year-to-date total to 15.3 million, a rise of 6.6 per cent. Palma Airport alone recorded 1.3 million international arrivals in October, up 8.6 per cent year-onyear, with 11.7 million arrivals between January and October, a 7.7 per cent increase. Notably, 43 per cent of all Germans travelling to Spain arrived in the Balearics, with a 13 per cent rise in German visitors, confirming Germany’s strong tourism market despite economic challenges. Photo: Pexels/ Oleksandr P
Baleares new tourist record.
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