When Diana Winskill from Somerset departed the UK for a six-month position in Majorca as a TUI representative in 1999, she never envisaged she’d still be greeting British holidaymakers 26 years later – and still adoring every moment. Whilst much has transformed in the nation and globally over the past quarter-century, tourists’ behaviours remain reassuringly consistent.

“Brits still absolutely love their all-inclusive holidays. Knowing everything’s included means they can really indulge and not worry about extra costs. And then there’s bingo. Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening. That’s never changed in my 26 years,” reports the Mirror. 

For the previous seven years, Diana has served as a welcoming presence at one of the island’s most sought-after TUI establishments, the Globales Santa Lucia, greeting and bidding farewell to hundreds of British visitors daily.

“I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months. I met my English-born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia, and I’ve now lived in Majorca longer than I ever lived in the UK,” said Diana.

Nevertheless, Diana has observed some significant changes.

British tourists are increasingly pursuing experiential journeys, seeking to engage with local traditions rather than simply relaxing by the pool. “Excursions to see the markets in Majorca are getting much more popular. People want to get out and experience the local culture they’re in, and TUI has so many to choose from with local guides who know the island back to front. I’ve also noticed a rise in friendship groups travelling together, moving away from the traditional family or couple getaways.”

Nevertheless, the most significant transformation has been technological advancement.

“The TUI app has revolutionised everything. Customers now get all their transfer times and can book experiences directly on their phones. When I first started, we wrote everything by hand and phoned through excursion bookings.”

Despite the digital transformation, Diana maintains that personal interaction remains vital.

“Welcome meetings are still incredibly popular. In a world where everything’s going digital, people still love asking questions and meeting in person. Sometimes you just cannot replace human contact. And so we focus on ensuring we have the knowledge and know-how of the destination to help ensure our guests have the most memorable holidays.”

The adults-only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia sits nestled between the shores of Son Matias and Palma Nova, offering ocean vistas from every room whilst being merely a five-minute stroll to the town centre.

The property boasts both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, alongside a convivial buffet dining area and two drinking establishments. “One customer told me she’d been back four times this year just to see me because I make her holiday so special. That’s what makes this job incredible. A lot of people think we’re just salespeople with a smile, but you have to be so well-rounded. We support people when things go wrong, but we’re also there for the magical moments. Holidays mean so much to people”.

Working from a stunning beachfront hotel with sunshine all year round certainly has its advantages.

“Even in winter, the average temperature only drops to 13 degrees, and you still get the most beautiful sunshine even in the colder months. My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive.”