PALMA
MAJORCAN-born world number one tennis ace Rafael Nadal is to be paid by the regional government to promote tourism in the Balearics in a campaign costing nine million euros, of which Nadal will collect six.
Having reached agreement yesterday with the Balearic Institute for Tourism (IBATUR), Nadal's contract will stretch over a three-year-period. Accompanying Rafael at the signing were regional Minister for Tourism, and Mateu Cañellas, Minister for Sports.
Tourism Minister Nadal confirmed that the best tennis player in the world is to promote the best holiday destination in Europe. In 2009, the campaign will cost IBATUR 5 million euros, 2 million in 2010, and 2 million in 2011. The Minister said that the 5 million in 2009 includes not just Rafael Nadal's fee but also the costs of preparing advertising and paying for its appearance in German, British and Spanish publications.
The Minister explained that part of the advertising campaign was being filmed yesterday afternoon at a studio on Palma's Son Castello industrial estate. The section being focused on included Rafael Nadal - in several languages - asking people to get to know the land he comes from. Minister Nadal said that running parallel to the TV appearances of the tennis player, advertisements will also be placed in the press, publicity slots, on radio and on the internet.