Calvia town hall was strongly represented at London's World Travel Market (WTM) by the mayor, Alfonso Rodríguez, tourism councillor Antonio García and the director-general of tourism and strategic projects, the former national secretary of state for tourism, Joan Mesquida.
Various meetings were held. With Javier Piñares, the new director of Spain's tourism office in London, there was a renewal of commitment to cooperation with Calvia on communications and image management. Discussions with Abta focused on private-public initiatives in the municipality and in particular Magalluf as well on developments for the low season from November to April. Nikki White, Abta's director of destinations and sustainability, informed the Calvia delegation that there will be a 36% increase for this period and 14% for the high season. She also indicated that there is growth in the family tourism market, which coincides with predictions from the Palmanova-Magalluf hoteliers association that also point to an increase in couples and a decline in youth tourism.
Jet2 spoke about the introduction of its routes from Stansted, Birmingham and Belfast. The airline is increasing the number of passengers it brings to Majorca. For example, in October 2015 there were 42,000 seats, which went up to 47,000 this October and will rise to 69,000 next October.
Meetings with Tui, Travel Republic, Elite Travel and On The Beach considered co-marketing initiatives for family, nature, sport and gastronomy tourism and above all the low season. There was also discussions with representatives from Benidorm, Lloret de Mar, Salou and Torremolinos which concentrated on themes that affect mature tourist resorts. The aim was to share experiences and to follow up with later meetings.