Meet Marga Méndez, Director of the Mallorca Convention Bureau

What are Majorca's strong points for an incentive operation?

Marga Méndez - Gastronomy, culture, the sea: the island has everything you're looking for. If you compare Mallorca with other Mediterranean destinations, you'll find that we have all the infrastructure you need for business tourism, and a wealth of experience in the field. The Mallorca Convention Bureau has been in existence for 30 years. We are geographically very close to France, with direct flights all year round thanks to Air Europa.

What is the average duration of an incentive operation?

M. M. - Most often, an incentive lasts three full days. But most of the time, participants try to finish their business trip on the Friday and follow it up with a personal weekend. This also allows them to enjoy the places they haven't had time to see.

What are the plans in terms of infrastructure for business tourism?

M. M. - We are currently building a new convention centre at the entrance to Palma, between the sea and the airport. It is due to open in June 2011 and will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 people. It will join the existing building next to the Pueblo Español and the auditorium near the marina. A project for an exhibition centre is also being studied. Finally, a magnificent luxury hotel is due to open soon in Puerto Sóller.

What time of year do you recommend organising an operation in Majorca?

M. M. - Normally from May to June and September to October. In May, there are still very few tourists and you can enjoy the sea and the sun. It's the same in October. But outside these seasons, Majorca doesn't stop living. There are festivals all year round. I also love February, when the almond trees are in bloom and rainfall is low. In winter, it never gets below 10°C.

Don't Mallorca and the Balearics suffer from an image of being a mass tourism destination with little concern for the environment?

M. M. - You really have to come here to realise that this image is out of date. We have plenty of unspoilt beaches, cycle paths and hiking trails. Perhaps our island suffers from a lack of promotion in these areas. Every time we organise a tour, the participants are surprised. A few years ago, hoteliers also realised that the quality and sustainability of their infrastructure were paramount. A lot has changed since then.