Mayor, Juan Antonio Amengual, Calvià & the Balearic Islands

As the Balearic Islands prepare for a landmark year of cultural milestones, hotel openings, sustainability investment and major international events, the municipality of Calvià—home to some of Mallorca’s most beloved coastal enclaves—is stepping confidently into 2026 with renewed vision. Framed by the island’s wider cultural renaissance, including the arrival of Art Cologne, the debut of Mallorca Photofest, and a historic total solar eclipse, Calvià is shaping its identity as a forward-thinking Mediterranean destination balancing culture, sustainability and elevated tourism.

In 2026, visitors across Mallorca and the wider archipelago will find a dynamic cultural calendar. The return of La Llotja de Palma with Paysage Miró, the expansion of major photography exhibitions, Menorca’s first-ever island-wide Cultural Opening, and Ibiza’s nomination for the European Green Pioneer Award all signal a renewed commitment to creativity, heritage, and sustainability. This ambition is matched by hotel investment: the opening of Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Hotel Piñero’s revitalisation of El Terreno, the upcoming Hotel Indigo Menorca, and cutting-edge new resorts in Ibiza reflect the islands’ drive toward design-led, environmentally aware luxury.

Calvià itself is undergoing significant transformation. The second phase of the Magaluf Promenade redevelopment—scheduled for inauguration in June 2026—marks a major investment in accessible, modern, resident-first public spaces supported by EU Next Generation funds. New air routes from Glasgow, Montreal, and Abu Dhabi will bring fresh international audiences to Palma, supporting continued growth across the region.

Against this backdrop of evolution and momentum, Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual shares insights into Calvià’s strategy for 2026—its priorities, developments, and ambitions as one of Mallorca’s most visited municipalities.

BTN - You recently hosted the ABTA Travel Convention and returned to World Travel Market with new announcements. What key messages are you sharing with the international tourism community this year?

Our key message is that Calvià’s transformation is complete and irreversible. We are moving decisively toward being a sustainable, high-quality, diverse and all-year-round destination. We are showcasing significant public and private investment which solidifies our commitment to high-value tourism, not just volume. Calvià is actively transitioning to a destination that offers premium experiences in nature, culture, and sports across all four seasons, and we want to share this vision with the international tourism community.

BTN - How is Calvià redefining its image and offer to appeal to a broader audience beyond its traditional markets?

We are redefining our image through specific actions and investment. Our offer is based on our unmatched diversity that includes white sand beaches, luxury marinas, high quality gastronomy, the UNESCO World Heritage Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and a year-round sporting activities calendar. This diversification, together with new direct air routes to Mallorca from countries such as Canada, USA and Abu Dhabi, allows us to appeal to new markets, who seek active tourism and cultural experiences. We are also focused on showcasing our excellent infrastructure for the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), leveraging attractive locations for visitors such as the Galatzó public estate, the Torre de Torrenova public estate, and the Puig de Sa Morisca Archaeological Park. We are positioning Calvià as a welcoming municipality for everyone, all year round.

BTN - What practical steps are being taken to strengthen Calvià’s positioning as a family-friendly and high-quality destination?

Our focus is on creating long-term value for both residents and visitors, which naturally enhances quality tourism. Practical steps include major urban renewal investments such as the demolition of the old Hostal Colón in Peguera and the old Hotel Teix in Magaluf to recover land for public use. Other key improvements include the refurbishment of the Magaluf seafront promenade, the Peguera Boulevard, and the Jaume I Avenue in Santa Ponça. Furthermore, we have allocated 5.7 million euros for the renewal of Galatzó public estate buildings. These structural actions, coupled with significant social investment, strengthen our infrastructure for residents. We guarantee a safe, clean, and sustainable environment, backed by strong environmental efforts like our comprehensive management of beaches such as the eco-friendly buoys we have in place. This commitment to infrastructure is essential for quality family tourism, which is complemented by a wide range of leisure activities including theme parks, water parks, adventure parks, a dolphinarium, a go-kart track and family shows.

BTN - The Magaluf promenade will soon be completed. What will this transformation mean for visitors and residents?

The completion of the Magaluf Promenade is a milestone in our comprehensive urban renewal plan, representing a complete redesign of over a kilometre of seafront. For visitors, it offers a new pedestrian seafront featuring a modern, integrated landscape design that includes native plant species and low-lying dunes, enhancing the destination’s appeal. For residents, it means improved infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring that tourism directly funds a better quality of life in their community. And for everyone, the new Magaluf Promenade is a place with elegant beach clubs and a varied culinary offer. The recent inauguration is a major event that falls within our wider ‘Magaluf for all’ campaign which symbolises the successful transformation of the area into a new Magaluf that benefits everyone, all year round.

BTN - What new products, cultural experiences or nature-based activities can visitors expect to see across Calvià in 2026?

Visitors can expect a cultural and activities calendar that supports de-seasonalisation. This shift is already fully underway, demonstrated by the private sector’s confidence, with the number of year-round hotels open in the municipality increasing from 21 to 25. This growing stability allows us to consolidate a tourist profile focused on families, young couples, and seniors, stabilising employment and securing income for those working in the sector. We are expanding our offer beyond traditional sun and beach, including an important boost of the Galatzó public estate as an ideal option for visitors to enjoy natural-based activities. We will continue to strengthen successful mid-season events such as the Mallorca Live Festival, a music event held in spring, La Mostra Calvià, a gastronomic event that takes place throughout the municipality twice a year, or the FLEM, a literary event held in Magaluf in October. Furthermore, private initiatives like Pirates Adventure of Magaluf are actively working on new family packages, reinforcing our family offering. In 2026 we will open the Torre de Torrenova public estate to the public, a new municipal green space by the sea with magnificent views of the area. We are also improving our extensive network of cycling and hiking trails and solidifying major spring and autumn sporting events, making Calvià a destination with something for everyone in each month of the year.

BTN - How is Calvià moving beyond sustainability towards more regenerative tourism practices that give back to local communities and the environment?

We are committed to a Smart Tourist Destination (DTI) model, using data to improve our policies and ensure tourism contributes to local well-being of residents. Key projects in sustainability are being introduced, such as implementing new systems for water conservation, for example, the renaturalisation of Magaluf beach uses a water collection and reuse system to minimize reliance on drinking water. We are also prioritising social sustainability by ensuring some of our major beaches are fully accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, with trained staff and special equipment. Our environmental management is a benchmark: we recycle 70 kilograms of glass per inhabitant per year (thanks to nearly 500 participating businesses) and double the Spanish average for paper and cardboard recycling, placing us amongst the top entities in the country. Last year, we also collected and stored 600 tonnes of Posidonia sea grass before returning 2,600 tonnes to the beaches following the tourist season allowing us to preserve these natural habitats.

BTN - Following the success of the ABTA Convention, how are you strengthening partnerships with tour operators, airlines and investors?

We are strengthening partnerships by offering quality assurance. For operators and airlines, we point to the extended Aerotib A11 bus service, which now operates continuously in the low season, providing year-round connectivity directly from the airport to Calvià and making their operations more viable in the low season. For investors, we offer a clear commitment to infrastructure renewal and a high-quality environment. Working together is fundamental to ensure the success of our de-seasonalisation strategy.

BTN - How are you encouraging year-round tourism and spreading visitor benefits throughout the municipality?

De-seasonalisation is a central economic principle for us. We encourage year-round tourism by promoting sporting, cultural or gastronomic activities outside of the high summer season. We work to spread visitor benefits by strategically scheduling major events—such as the Galatzó Trail, the Half Marathon Magaluf, the Mallorca Live Festival, the Challenge Peguera Mallorca, La Mostra Calvià, or the FLEM in spring and autumn to ensure economic activity spreads out more and more throughout the year. Our entire focus is on diversifying the economic base to deliver greater stability and better public services so local businesses stay open outside the peak season, ensuring all residents benefit from a more year-round economy.

BTN - What role do local residents and businesses play in shaping the future of Calvià’s tourism strategy?

We view tourism as an engine for improving local quality of life. Residents and businesses are actively engaged through crucial feedback on infrastructure and service needs. Local businesses are urged to invest in quality and operate year-round, thereby supporting the strategy. We even hold awards to recognise businesses in Calvià that are open all year round. Furthermore, we actively promote an inclusive community ethos, celebrating international events like Saint Patrick’s Day, St. George’s Day and Europe Day, ensuring the international community’s culture is integrated, making Calvià truly welcoming to everyone.

BTN - What is the key message you’d like to share with the global travel industry from WTM 2025?

Calvià is keeping its promise. We have successfully completed a decisive shift to a quality-led and sustainable year-round destination. Our commitment is evidenced by significant public investment in social, natural, and tourism infrastructure. We are ready to be your most reliable year-round partner in the Mediterranean. Calvià is open for business, open for new experiences, and open to everyone, every month of the year.

A Destination Poised for a Breakthrough Year

Combined with the wider cultural and hospitality developments across the Balearic Islands—from the hosting of Art Cologne to the arrival of global hotel brands and new long-haul flight connections—the municipality of Calvià stands at the forefront of a new era for Mallorca.

2026 will not only elevate the visitor experience but reaffirm the region’s position as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking coastal destinations. Under Mayor Amengual’s leadership, Calvià is embracing renewal, sustainability and international appeal, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the Balearic Islands’ long-term vision.