exper expert ASK THE


MARÍA DEL CARMEN PEÑAS DE HARO


director, Calvià Tourism Board


Why is Calvià repositioning as a family destination?


It’s a shift aimed at attracting a different kind of visitor. Family tourism tends to be more respectful of the environment, contributing to the preservation of


cultural heritage and natural surroundings. Families engage in a wide range of activities, which helps distribute the economic gains from tourism more equitably. What are the key


attractions for families? One of the main draws is the area’s excellent beaches, many of which are suitable for children. Boat excursions allow families to experience nature in a controlled environment, while Calvià’s theme parks and waterparks appeal to children and adults. Hiking and cycling routes, plus educational


experiences like the marine park, offer contact with nature. What do you think the future holds for Calvià?


Family tourism will continue to be a priority. Sports tourism is also gaining


traction as it attracts visitors throughout the year and


reinforces Calvià’s image as a healthy, active destination.


it’s also easy to get to – just 15 minutes from the hotel and there’s even a coach to take you door to door (for an added charge).


MALLORCAN MAKEOVER With 656 rooms and suites, Fergus Club Mallorca Waterpark is the reincarnation of former adult-only hotel BH Mallorca, which has undergone a facelift in a bid to reposition the island’s Calvià region as a family-friendly destination. But why does Magaluf need a family resort? “Calvià is committed to attracting tourists who contribute positively to our region, ensuring sustainable growth,” says Bernat Vicens, chief executive of Fergus Group. “Resorts such as those by Fergus Hotels are essential to this vision – the reimagined Fergus Club Mallorca Waterpark is a family-focused entertainment hotel, providing an enjoyable environment for families while enhancing Calvià’s reputation as a premier family-friendly destination.” The expansive hotel’s renovated accommodation is


generously proportioned and all the rooms and suites have sofa beds, balconies and air conditioning, while upgraded Magnus Suites include a PlayStation 5 console, bathrobes, slippers and a Nespresso coffee machine. Dining revolves around two buffet restaurants offering local and international options – although variety, especially at lunchtimes, was limited during my stay, which could be a challenge for fussy eaters. Shaded dining areas offer plenty of seating and a welcome respite from the intense Balearic sunshine. Kids can expect round-the-clock fun and will never


36 24 OCTOBER 2024 Calvià is committed to


attracting tourists who contribute positively to our region, ensuring sustainable tourism growth


be bored – when not making friends in the kids’ clubs or Games Zone, which includes games consoles and a cinema, they’ll be itching to get to one of the pools or the star of the show, the hotel waterpark. Said to be the largest in the Balearics, it features seven slides and a splash pool. For the grown-ups, there are plenty of sunloungers – we never struggled to find one – including cabanas and daybeds. The location is also excellent, with the beach a five-minute walk away and waterfront bars and restaurants, including upscale beach clubs and chic lounge bars, within easy reach.


REDEVELOPMENT PLANS Along with a recently extended tourist season – now from March to November – various upgrades are in the pipeline for Magaluf: a new promenade is being built, while a former hotel is being demolished to create a green area. Even the name ‘Magaluf’ (the resort town) is being phased out in favour of ‘Calvià’ (the wider region). “The area is definitely changing and we’re part of that change,” says Samantha Crawford, guest services manager at Fergus Club Mallorca Waterpark.


travelweekly.co.uk


LEFT: Fergus Club Mallorca Waterpark; the hotel’s waterpark BELOW: Magaluf beach FACING PAGE: Jungle Parc Mallorca PICTURES: Fergus Group; Shutterstock/xabi_kls


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