Mallorcan Beaches Reaffirm Quality Standards; Spain Retains 524 Blue (Quality) Flags
In the picturesque town of Calvia, Mallorca, a flag-raising ceremony was held at Es Carregador beach in Palmanova, marking the continuation of the town's commitment to sustainability and quality tourism. This event, presided over by Juan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of Calvia, and Fernando Fraile, Director General of ICTES, celebrated the town's 15 Q Tourism Quality certified beaches.
Calvia, the leading municipality in the Balearic Islands and the third in Spain for certified beaches, has implemented several key initiatives to maintain and enhance these high-quality, sustainable coastal areas.
## Accessibility and Infrastructure
Notable improvements include enhanced disabled access, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the beaches. Additionally, the incorporation of smart monitoring systems at six major beaches helps in efficient management and maintenance of these areas.
## Water Conservation
The introduction of saltwater foot showers to conserve drinking water aligns with Calvia's sustainability goals.
## Tourism Promotion and Management
The town has managed occupancy levels effectively on its beaches, with a recorded 20% of maximum allowed occupancy during June, indicating controlled tourism. The Fundación Calvià, which plays a crucial role in promoting Calvià as a tourist destination, organizes cultural, social, sporting events, and activities, helping to diversify tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience.
## Eco-Friendly Practices
The presence of eco-certified hotels like INNSide by Meliá Calviá Beach supports sustainability efforts in the region by minimizing environmental impact through programs such as EarthCheck.
These initiatives not only enhance the quality of beach experiences for tourists but also contribute to maintaining the natural beauty and environmental health of Calvià's beaches.
Calvia's commitment to Q & S certification is not a seasonal stunt, but a sustained policy and a source of pride. Maintaining Q & S flags requires year-round consistency in safety, maintenance, amenities, lifeguard presence, and visitor experience. Motorised water activities have been limited to Magalluf in Calvia.
Spain now has 524 beaches with Q for Quality and S for Sustainability flags, across 123 coastal locations. Calvia, with 15 Q & S certified beaches, follows Marbella (19) and Sanxenxo (16) in this ranking.
Calvia's Q-certified beaches are not just about turquoise waters and soft sand, but also about providing one of the most carefully curated coastal experiences in Spain. The town's success in balancing tourism and sustainability serves as an example for other coastal communities.
ICTES, the Spanish Institute for Tourism Quality and Sustainability, which is marking its 25th year in operation, is aligned with UNE-ISO 13009, a gold standard embraced by nearly 100 countries. ICTES is backed by the Ministry of Tourism, Spain's autonomous regions, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP).
Calvia's dedication to preserving and improving its beaches demonstrates a strong commitment to quality tourism and sustainability, making it a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travellers.
The town of Calvia, known for its eco-friendly practices and Q & S certified beaches, offers travelers an opportunity to experience a sustainable lifestyle while enjoying its home-and-garden-like beaches. As part of their commitment to sustainability, Calvia features eco-certified hotels and efficient water conservation measures, such as saltwater foot showers.
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