Mallorca’s Calvià among eight for 2027 tourism title

Mallorca’s Calvià faces seven rivals for the 2027 European Capital of Tourism title: island leaders and hotel groups are backing its bid before a November decision. Calvià Council announced the support on 9 October 2026. Independent experts chose the municipality as one of eight finalists from 40 cities in 17 countries.

Island leaders and hotels back the bid

Supporters include Llorenç Galmés, president of Mallorca’s island council, and Jaume Bauzá, the Balearic tourism minister. Hotel associations in Palmanova-Magaluf and Santa Ponça have joined them, along with Meliá Hotels International.

Meliá chief executive Gabriel Escarrer says the bid is personal: his father was a pioneer of Calvià’s tourism development. He says the municipality shows how an established destination can renew itself.

Brussels decision follows two presentations

Calvià is competing in the category for places with 25,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. Ibiza is also among the finalists. The European Commission assesses bids on sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and support for cultural heritage and local talent.

Calvià presents its bid in Strasbourg on 20 October, then makes its case in Brussels on 18 and 19 November. The winner will be announced in November.

Topics: Culture · Tourism · Politics · Calvià

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com