In a constantly evolving travel market no serious holiday destination can sit back and hope that past visitors return time and again, the need is there to keep up with tourists expectations and compete for their attention.

There are several factors that influence a holidaymakers’ choice of destination, recommendations from friends and family, past visits, but overwhelmingly a top priority is cost and perceived value for money.

Majorca wins against a lot of rival Mediterranean islands on two of the three counts. The island has been welcoming visitors for generations, and the recommendations generated from previous holidaymakers ensures no shortage of first time tourists who want to find out if Majorca is as good as they’ve heard it is.

The island was a pioneer of tourism even before the age of jet travel, and since then has firmly established itself as the number one holidays destination for Europeans, and there are a good number of airlines who provide Majorca flights from regional airports across continental Europe, the UK and Ireland, ensuring prices are low.

And part of the enduring appeal of the island for UK holidaymakers is that it’s just a two hour flight away, and it means families don’t have to worry about young children being stuck on a plane for a long time and that the holiday can start on the same day as departure – often not possible to destinations that have emerged lately as serious contenders for the number 1 spot as it takes twice as long to get there.

The newcomer destinations that are making the challenge and appealing to tourists are Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey. Of the four most likely to take Majorca’s crown it is Turkey, with flights now available from not just main airports in many European countries but in the UK from regional airports like Bournemouth, making the country’s holiday areas more accessible for potential tourists.

In Egypt, for those not cruising the Nile or visiting the pyramids and preferring a sunshine holiday the most popular destination by far is Sharm El Sheikh, while for Turkey it’s Bodrum and Dalaman, but all four appeal to cost conscious UK tourists as they are outside the Euro zone and Sterling still gets good amounts of local currency – Turkey though is beginning to cash in and put up prices in the tourist areas, and often is now only good value for those opting for all inclusive packages.

But what can Majorca offer in 2011 that will beat the challenge from Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey to retain it’s position as the number one vacation destination for tourists, and is the island really more expensive than its challengers?

For a start it is able to offer any age or economic group what they are looking for. From hotels designed for the budget traveller to first class spa ones, the range of hotels in Majorca is impressive, with the top quality ones matching any in Europe with the exception perhaps of Monaco. The main tour operators have contracts with some, and offer them with flights, individually, or as part of an inclusive package that includes half or full board at many of the popular hotels in Majorca.

There’s a mix of areas appropriate for different types of holidays in Majorca. Magalluf for example is ideally suited for the 18-30 visitor who is after parties, clubbing, getting up at 4pm before heading off to the clubs for another night of fun. Pollensa is a good area for families, with a mix of good hotels and villas available from companies who specialise in villa holidays in Majorca along with privately owned ones which are available to rent – nearly all will have their own pool and some are within walking distance of local amenities, dispensing the need for a hire car for those who don’t like driving abroad. For couples or families looking for a peaceful upmarket area with a traditional feel there is Soller, famous for its marina and train connection to the capital Palma, travelling through the island’s countryside.

Cosmopolitan, traditional and modern, Majorca has it all – but what about prices? According to a recent survey by the UK’s Post Office Travel Services Turkey has increased its prices in tourist areas, while Majorca has cut hers, dispelling the notion that those looking for a good deal should choose one of the island’s competitors for their 2011 vacation.

With all that’s it’s going for it, perhaps Majorca can stay number one for another year.

Airlines with Mallorca flights for 2011 are at yourmajorca.net They also have travel companies who include in their brochures holidays in Mallorca.