Last updated on October 19, 2025
In a significant endorsement of sustainable practices in one of Europe’s premier destinations, UN Tourism has renewed its QUEST certification for the Fundació Turisme Responsable de Mallorca in Spain. This renewal highlights the foundation’s continued dedication to excellence in destination management, governance, and sustainability.
The UN Tourism QUEST certification, which is valid for four years, is awarded to Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) that demonstrate outstanding performance in three core areas: strategic leadership, effective execution, and efficient governance. Designed to elevate quality standards in tourism, the certification encourages DMOs to adopt innovative, results-driven strategies that enhance competitiveness while prioritizing sustainability.
The Fundació Turisme Responsable de Mallorca, a public non-profit entity under the Consell de Mallorca, first earned this prestigious accolade in December 2020, becoming the first DMO in Europe and the fourth worldwide to do so. This latest renewal in 2025 underscores the foundation’s evolution and progress, particularly in fostering institutional coordination, participatory governance, and a shift in mission focus from mere visitor attraction to responsible tourism management that ensures positive impacts on the local community, environment, and accessibility.
As a key player in promoting responsible tourism, the foundation engages in a range of activities including raising awareness of sustainable practices in local and international markets, creating diversified tourism products, collaborating with the sector for global presence, and leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making. These efforts aim to position Mallorca as a model for sustainable tourism, emphasizing economic reactivation, event promotion, and data governance to maintain the island’s appeal while safeguarding its natural and cultural assets.
Marco Táboas, director of the Fundació Turisme Responsable de Mallorca, expressed pride in the achievement: “The renewal of the UN Tourism QUEST certification is a source of pride for Mallorca and a clear endorsement of the responsible tourism model we are working towards: truly responsible tourism that strengthens social cohesion and creates bonds of belonging with those who visit us.”
This certification renewal not only reaffirms Mallorca’s leadership in sustainable tourism but also exemplifies the benefits of public-private-community partnerships and multi-level cooperation in addressing global tourism challenges. In an era where destinations must be agile and resilient, such recognitions from UN Tourism play a crucial role in building institutional capacity and inspiring other regions to follow suit.
As tourism continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, initiatives like the QUEST certification are vital for ensuring that growth is balanced with environmental and social responsibility. Mallorca’s success story serves as an inspiration for destinations worldwide striving for a more sustainable future.
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