The British travel association ABTA is celebrating its 75th anniversary in Magalluf, Calvia, by hosting its annual convention in Mallorca for the sixth time and the Mayor of Calvia, Juan Antonio Amengual, opening this morning’s press conference hailed the event as “historic. I’m extremely pleased and grateful that ABTA has decided to not only return to Mallorca first its convention after 14 years but to chose Magalluf, Calvia.
“It give us, as one of the leading tourism destinations in Spain, to highlights and show what significant changes have taken place in Magalluf and other parts of Calvia and how the resort has been extensively remodelled and redesigned with local, state, European and eco-tax funds, not to mention the investment from the private sector.
“And that said, throughout this process we have always had the strong support and understanding from ABTA and the British tourist industry. It’s also important that ABTA has chosen to come in October as opposed to during the peak sun and beach season. It’s helps us all reinforce the fact that we are open in low season and that there is plenty to enjoy as we lengthen the season and develop an all-year resort.
“We’ve finished the first phase of the new promenade with phase two due to be completed by the end of the year and the results of that are clear to see with first class bars and restaurants along the sea front and high quality beach facilities from the middle of March until the end of November,” he said.
Amengual also highlighted the strategic importance of hosting the ABTA convention, emphasising that events of this magnitude are a recognition of the municipality’s efforts to modernise and diversify its tourism offering, and a unique opportunity to promote Calvia as an international destination of reference. “Magalluf alone accounts for 30 percent of hotel occupancy in the whole of Calvia,” he added.
The mayor also highlighted the municipality’s commitment to quality tourism that combines tradition and modernity: “Our goal is to offer tourism that respects the environment, promotes local culture and generates direct benefits for our community. Events such as this are a great way to achieve this. Our aim is to offer tourism that respects the environment, promotes local culture,” he said. “Our goal is to offer tourism that generates direct benefits for our community. Events such as ABTA allow us to show the world the new reality of Calvia: a destination that not only welcomes visitors, but is constantly reinventing itself to offer authentic and sustainable experiences.”
The Balearic Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Jaume Bauzá, pointed out that ABTA has always been a benchmark for professionalism and excellence in the tourism industry. “I am confident that, over the course of the next few days, new ideas will emerge that will further strengthen our sector and inspire us to continue building a tourism model that unites cultures, promotes destinations responsibly and generates prosperity.”
He also stressed that, at a time when travellers are seeking genuine connections with the places they visit, it is crucial to highlight what is truly local. “The landscapes, the gastronomy, the history, the traditions and, fundamentally, respect for the environment and the well-being of the communities that call this place home,” he said. “We’re putting Calvia on the global tourism map, which is where it belongs.”
Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, thanked ABTA for having returned to Mallorca and stressed the importance of the British market to Spain as a whole. “It is our most important market. This year some 18.4 million Britons have come to Spain spending 22 billion euros and between June and August, 13 million came and this if vitally important for job creations and Spain’s GDP.
“Spain continues to be the number one destination for the British market, a leadership that reflects the strength of the historical, cultural and tourist ties between the two countries. The relationship between the United Kingdom and Spain has always been special, and meetings such as the ABTA convention are strategic for strengthening this collaboration and moving forward together towards a more responsible, sustainable and inclusive tourism model, especially in the most mature destinations.
“The British Travel Association (ABTA) is the trade association for the UK travel industry, representing over 1,000 travel companies and 100,000 travel professionals. It is the only trade association in the UK that represents the entire travel industry, from tour operators and travel agencies to hotels and airlines. ABTA is the only trade association in the UK that represents the entire travel industry, from tour operators and travel agencies to hotels and airlines.”
“The government has drawn up a 2030 plan for tourism which is based on addressing social, economic and environmental changes and we know that through ABTA, the British tourist industry and British tourists support the plan. While making sure visitors enjoy their holidays in Spain to the very maximum, at the same time we have to make sure that people who live in the resorts benefit and enjoy a better way of life, more well-being.
“As part of 2030, the aim is to make sure that Spain not only has the best destinations but also the best places to live and ABTA shares those values and we are working together to achieve this,” she said. “We congratulate ABTA on its 75th anniversary and look forward to another 75 years of a very close and productive relationship,” she added.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “Mallorca is one of the undisputed favourite destinations for ABTA, our members and their customers. We are honoured and delighted that Calvia is hosting our convention this year. This is the sixth time that the ABTA convention has been held in Mallorca, a record number that recognises the strength of our long-standing relationship. Spain remains, by far, the most popular foreign destination for British tourists, thanks to the wide variety of places and experiences it offers and, above all, the warmth and professionalism of the Spanish people.
“We deeply value the relationship between the UK and Spain and the ABTA 2025 event puts Calvia and the Balearics at the centre of international tourism showcasing the destination’s new tourism model based on sustainability and innovation. For those delegates who have been before and may think they know Magalluf, it’s a chance for them to see the new Magalluf and see how it has developed while for those who have never been, it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to experience what a great destination it is,” he added.
“The first ABTA convention in Mallorca was in 1983 and we keep coming back, that demonstrates just how important Mallorca is to the UK travel industry. Mallorca’s tourist industry has been a huge success over the past 40 years but we are all well aware that with that success has come some challenges such as tourism pressure and the impact the industry has had and these are going to be topics which will be discussed over the coming days in Magalluf.
“Obviously, we want tourism to continue. Our very latest research shows that even more Britons intend to travel next year so there is growing demand, but the industry has to be viable and sustainable and that involves dialogue between governments and all agencies in the industry both in Spain and in the UK,” he said. “We have to be talking long term and continue working together to ensure that residents and tourist live together in harmony and Calvia has demonstrated how that can be achieved.
“Yes, price is an important factor, especially when certain economies are being squeezed, some people have larger budgets than other so have more to spend, But at the same time, value for money is equally as important. On the whole people don’t mind paying if they get value for money or more if possible, more than they bargained for, that’s another challenge. It a destination can surpass people’s expectations, so much the better.
“But Spain is still by far the biggest UK market. Turkey and Greece are coming on strong, especially Turkey with investment in new properties and hotels not to mention lots of flights from the UK, so in the short to medium haul market, those are the two main competitors, but they have a long way to go yet. And with regards to the protests. Yes, through the media we are aware of them in the UK but our latest research has also shown that they have not had a negative impact on holiday plans,” Tanzer stressed.