In association with: Mallorca Tourism
With Mallorca’s pledge for responsible tourism, visitors to the Spanish island can help protect its unique environment
In Mallorca, a Mediterranean island defined by lush foliage and picturesque villages, where turquoise waters glimmer in the sun and rugged mountain ranges pepper the coastline, there are endless natural landscapes to explore and unforgettable experiences to enjoy.
As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, commonly known as Majorca, is one of the most beloved destinations in the Mediterranean. And for good reason, given its unique combination of pristine beaches, vibrant towns and glorious sunshine.
To ensure the beauty of Mallorca can be enjoyed for years to come, action is being taken to protect and sustain the environment and encourage responsible tourism across the island.
Protecting the future
The goal of Mallorca’s pledge for responsible tourism is to create an island where visitors can experience and enjoy everything the destination has to offer, while preserving its nature, values and beauty.
The pledge comprises eight rules:
1: Care for Mallorca as your home
Visitors to Mallorca are welcomed by the locals as if one of their own, so to repay the favour, they’re encouraged to care for the island as their temporary home. They’re asked to respect the local communities and to treat the culture with kindness and respect.
2: Preserve natural beauty
When enjoying Mallorca’s breathtaking natural landscapes, visitors should leave no trace. The pledge asks guests to take their rubbish with them and dispose of it in one of the many designated recycling spots.
3: Appreciate and protect nature
Exploring Mallorca’s natural landscapes on foot is a must for any itinerary, but hikers are asked to stick to designated paths to avoid harming the delicate ecosystems and disturbing the native wildlife.
4: Enjoy unforgettable experiences responsibly
Visitors are encouraged to leave nothing behind. To minimise their ecological impact, there’s a wealth of public transport options for visitors to choose from and plenty of accommodation and services that have sustainable practices in place.
5: Live and support local
To enjoy an authentic Mallorcan experience, encourage your clients to sample the island’s homegrown products that are used in its diverse culinary specialities. Not only will they get a unique taste of Mallorca, they’ll also be helping to sustain the island’s markets and supporting local communities.
6: Observe, don’t touch
The Mediterranean is teeming with diverse marine life, from leatherback turtles and hammerhead sharks to swordfish and jellyfish, and visitors can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures on snorkelling and sailing excursions. But divers should avoid disturbing marine habitats and sailors should protect Posidonia, the seagrass native to the Mediterranean.
7: Remember the three Rs
When it comes to plastic consumption, the key thing to remember is reduce, reuse and recycle. Carrying a reusable water bottle, opting for eco-friendly products and separating organic waste are just a few things visitors can do to join the mission to reduce plastic consumption.
8: Combine the global and local
Visitors to Mallorca are encouraged to think local. The pledge encourages guests from around the world to respect communities, embrace their rules and contribute to the island’s overall wellbeing.
To find out more and sign the pledge to help preserve Mallorca as a unique island and destination, visit mallorcapledge.com
PICTURES: Tolo Balaguer; Cristian Montoro Ortiz