The world’s number one tennis player, Rafel Nadal, has been chosen to be the representative of the Balearic islands to the outside world.

It is hoped that Nadal’s highly visible public profile will encourage Europeans to visit the islands. “This is a measure of shock advertising in the face of the difficult 2009 season that lies ahead,” said sources from the Ministry of Tourism. An agreement is expected to be signed next week with the tennis star’s sponsorship company after some loose ends are tied up.

Tourism creates 10% of GDP and 12% of the jobs in Spain and the sponsorship deal is seen as important in boosting a positive image of the country to potential foreign tourists.

Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor and is one of Mallorca’s most famous sons. (JH)