Majorca’s Calvia region has backed the Federation of Tour Operators’ sustainability programme in a move which could pave the way for the scheme to be rolled out across the whole of Spain.
The region of Calvià in Majorca, which can accommodate around 60,000 tourists, has committed to improve its sustainability by working with the FTO on the Travelife Sustainability System, backed by the European Union and leading travel industry organisations.
The Travelife Sustainability System is a web-based facility providing businesses with support, advice and tools to help their suppliers to improve their environmental and social performance and to save money.
FTO director-general Andy Cooper was due to meet the mayor of Calvià, Carlos Delgado Truyols, at World Travel Market this week to discuss the next steps in their goal to improve the sustainability of hotels and accommodation in the region. The FTO has entered into a formal mutual agreement with the Calvià authority to ensure effective cooperation to achieve full roll-out of the system.
The local authority has written to all accommodation owners and managers in Magaluf, Palma Nova, Santa Ponsa, Peguera, Illetas and Portals Nous asking them to register for the Travelife Sustainability System and work towards obtaining the awards.
“We are hoping that Majorca will become the flagship Travelife destination,” said Chris Thompson, head of responsible tourism for the FTO. “Securing collaboration with the Calvià region will not only pave the way for the introduction of the system throughout the Balearics and mainland Spain, but also send a clear message to popular destinations everywhere that we want to introduce the Travelife Sustainability System as the tool of choice for British Tour Operators.”
The Travelife Award scheme offers bronze, silver and gold awards to reflect performance against environmental and social criteria with additional focus on ethical trading and benefits to local people and communities.