Energy has long been much more than a cost for the tourism sector. It is a strategic lever, a competitiveness factor and, in the current geopolitical context, a matter of resilience. With this conviction, the teams at Estel, Borbalán and Grup Serra launched the Mallorca Energy Summit, a forum designed for the major players in tourism and energy to meet, debate and move forward together.
The first edition was held in Palma to resounding success: it sold out weeks in advance and brought together some of the most relevant names in the country's tourism and energy sectors. An event born with a vocation for permanence.
The protagonists of the day
Jaime Martínez, Mayor of Palma, announced concrete measures: over 2,000 public EV charging points by 2030, and full electrification of the bus fleet within the next decade.
Andreas Eberharter, VP at INNIO Jenbacher, presented their trigeneration model for resorts: electricity, heating and cooling from a single source, ensuring 24/7 operation even during grid outages.
Alberto Benbunan, a leading voice in AI applied to tourism, revealed how predictive models anticipate electrical demand and consumption patterns based on occupancy and weather.
«Sustainability starts with the bottom line.»
— Gabriel Escarrer, CEO Meliá Hotels International
The most anticipated moment was the dialogue between Gabriel Escarrer (Meliá) and Abel Matutes Prats (Palladium), moderated by Paula Serra. Two of the most influential voices in world tourism, sharing the stage to debate the sector's energy future.
«Investing in green is a competitive advantage for the hotel industry.»
— Naomi Riu, CFO at RIU Hotels & Resorts
Naomi Riu firmly defended her chain's environmental commitment: 90% of energy consumed is already green and they have invested over 10 million euros in photovoltaic installations.
Pedro Pérez Tossina (Tecna & Solius / Midea) focused on efficient HVAC: polyvalent heat pumps capable of producing cooling and heating simultaneously, minimizing losses.
Institutional closing
Marga Prohens, President of the Balearic Government, closed the Summit calling on the central government to reduce energy VAT to 10%. Her message was clear: the energy transition is a strategic decision, not just an environmental one.
The first edition of the Mallorca Energy Summit has set the bar very high. One less day until the second edition.