12 November 2008

Majorca resorts seek sustainability

The largest tourism destination in Spain by number of beds Ã¢â¬' 60,000 Ã¢â¬' has ageed to adopt a British sustainability initiative.

The region of CalviÃƒ~ in Majorca has committed to improve its sustainability by working with the Federation of Tour Operators on its Travelife Sustainability System.

The local authority has written to all accommodation owners and managers in the region, which includes the mass tourism resorts of 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.

Many tour operators are introducing the Travelife Award scheme through their brochures and websites. The bronze, silver and gold awards reflect performance against environmental and social criteria with additional focus on ethical trading and benefits to local people and communities.

FTO head of responsible tourism Chris Thompson said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are hoping that Majorca will become the flagship Travelife destination.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœSecuring collaboration with the CalviÃƒ~ 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.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are in advanced negotiations with a number of hotel chains who want to work with the Travelife system.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThere are over 100 Travelife awarded hotels around the globe and considerable interest from the international tourism community who see this as the only system gathering momentum despite the current climate.Ã¢â¬~

FTO director general Andy Cooper is due to meet the Mayor of CalviÃƒ~ Sr. D. Carlos Delgado Truyols at World Travel Market today (Wednesday) to discuss their next steps in their goal to improve the sustainability of hotels and accommodation in the region.

by Phil Davies