The new Balearic Green Card goes on sale from today, offering a host of discounts to tourists.
However, despite Claudia Schiffer and Michael Douglas having helped advertise the card overseas, the Balearic Ministry for Tourism has not received a single order from either tour operators, hotels, travel agents or car hire firms as yet.
Tourism Minister Joan Flaquer said yesterday that, despite the apparent lack of interest in one of the government's most high-profile initiatives, he is not worried.
On sale from today and operative from May 1, the government expects to sell 300'000 this year and, if needs be, is even ready to increase production.
The card will be available for residents later this summer.
The Green Card will entitle tourists and residents to beach concessions discounts, sun beds and pedalos etc, reduced entrance to participating museums, cultural centres and heritage sites, savings on the Palma tourist bus and discounts green fees at gold clubs.
The card will also entitle residents to a one euro saving at the cinema on Wednesday nights, amongst other benefits.
Flaquer said yesterday that the Creen Card, designed to help raise extra fund for Foundation for Sustainable Development, which is responsible for the protection and management of the environment and region's heritage, is a long term project, hence why he is not concerned about a slow start. “No one is being forced to buy a card, so we need to give this project time because the aim is to create a new holiday culture which will involve every tourist buying one as soon as they check-in to their hotel or arrive at the airport,” he said.
The Green Card will cost 10 euros and will be valid for two weeks for tourists and a year for residents. It will be free to the under 12s.
Green Card benefits
For tourists
· 15 minutes free telephone
10% discounts at participating golf courses l 20% off at participating cultural centres and museusm. l 25% off the Palma tourist bus l Savings of 30% on rail travel l 50% discounts off guided tours l A wide range of benefits at participating heritage sites, stately homes and natural parks. l Savings on the hire of beach beds, surf board, pedalos etc.
For residents
· Cheap Wednesday night cinema tickets
· Discount entry to nightclubs
Funds for l Foundation for Sustainable Development: protection and management of environment and heritage sites plus the creation of new museums such as the Salt Museum in Ses Salines and Weaving Museum in Capdepera and new facilities on the Albufera Natural Park.