Opportunities, sustainability and professionalisation were the central themes around which eTalent Calvià took place yesterday at the Casal de Peguera auditorium in Calvià. The event, an initiative of the local Town Council in collaboration with the IMEB and organised by Ecoglobal Services and Events S.L., was one of the activities forming part of the sixth edition of eMallorca Experience. Around 350 students from various schools in the municipality, who are enrolled in vocational training programmes such as Administrative Management, Cookery and Catering, Hospitality Services or Environmental Guiding, attended an engaging educational day aimed at bringing them closer to the opportunities offered by the important tourism sector, as well as the key factors shaping the future.
The students, from IES Son Ferrer, IES Calvià and IES Bendinat, had the chance to attend three interactive talks and a round table in which employment opportunities, real-life experiences and values of sustainability and innovation were presented—always from the perspective of knowledgeable, professional and realistic viewpoints.
At 11 a.m., Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvià, opened the event with a speech emphasising the importance of tourism in the municipality. “The future of tourism depends on environmental responsibility,” Amengual stated, also conveying to attendees that “innovation enables us to improve and adapt to the needs of a market in which strategic investment in infrastructure and sustainability is key.” He likewise highlighted the importance of the Smart Tourist Destination concept, where “the future of professionals is tied to data management.” “Make the most of this day and connect with the business sector—the future is yours,” he concluded.
Miriam Nogueira, coordinator and presenter of the event, introduced the first talk, Mallorca’s Economy through Tourism, given by Francisco Javier Franconetti, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and lecturer in Economic Environment at the Balearic School of Tourism. His presentation explored the impact of tourism on the economy, tourist profiles and market challenges that call for stronger preparation. “Our economy is essentially service-based,” he stated, stressing that “Calvià is a true benchmark of the tourism industry.”
Next to take the stage was Loileth Fernández Duménigo, Corporate Learning Specialist at Iberostar, who delivered the talk Employment Opportunities in Tourism in Mallorca. Fernández outlined the training programmes offered by the hotel chain. With a focus on responsible tourism, this international yet family-origin company provides comprehensive training based on core pillars such as fostering opportunities, local engagement and environmental care. “We love discovering new talents,” she remarked, inviting students to explore Iberostar’s full educational offer.
The final interactive talk—encouraging student participation throughout—was Sustainability and Ecotourism, with Daniel Ramón, CEO of Podarcis. He shared a critical perspective on the current industry, urging not only the use of sustainability as a label but genuine belief in those values and a commitment to responsible, effective action. One of his standout remarks was: “Sustainable development is a model that seeks to meet present needs without compromising those of future generations.”
After Ramón’s presentation, it was time for the round table, Work Experiences and the Importance of Training. The discussion, moderated by Miriam Nogueira, featured contributions from Maria Font, a student at IES Bendinat, qualified guide in Natural Environments and Outdoor Activities, and currently studying for a Higher Technician Diploma in Sports Education and Social Animation; Alejandro Cano, former Higher-Level Computing student at IES Son Ferrer; the previously mentioned Loileth Fernández Duménigo; and Isabel Teruel, Operations Director at Port Adriano. They each shared their personal experiences and the importance of high-quality training, in addition to answering questions previously submitted by students in video format.