The number of British holidaymakers visiting Palma in the winter season rose by 9%.

The Majorcan capital attracted almost 135,000 visitors from the UK between October and April against 123,590 in the same period a year earlier.

Total visitor numbers rose by 17.8% to just under 227,000 between January and April, official figures show.

The rise in arrivals during the winter months reflects a growing appetite for cultural city breaks rather than beach holidays.

The trend is contributing to the Palma Tourism Board’s objective of growing out-of-season travellers.

Palma acts as a driving force to encourage low season travel to the Majorca, with many visitors opting to use the city as a base to explore other destinations on the island.

Gastronomy, sport, shopping and culture are being highlighted in a ‘Passion for Palma’ campaign to strengthening its position as a year-round city break destination.