PALMA, 3 (EUROPA PRESS)
Michael Douglas, Norma Duval, designer Pablo Erroz, and pharmacist Marta Munar, among other prominent personalities, have been named the first ambassadors of Mallorca's 'Tierra de Honor' (Land of Honor), a position recently created by the Council of Mallorca to recognize their careers and ties to the island. as well as their contribution to showing the world the essence, identity, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
In this inaugural edition, the following have been honored: Michael Douglas, for his commitment to Mallorca and his contribution to promoting an international image of the island linked to the preservation of its culture and heritage; designer Pablo Erroz; Mallorcan pharmacist Marta Munar; businesswoman and founder of Coolook, Mar Aldeguer; journalists María Eugenia Yagüe and María Ángeles Alcázar; French journalist Bernardo Paz; model Sara Caballero; and Rosario Nadal and Norma Duval, all of whom are known for their close ties to Mallorca and for becoming, within their respective fields, extraordinary ambassadors for the island.
The president of the Council of Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, accompanied by the mayor of Valldemossa, Nadal Torres, and the island's tourism councilor, Guillem Ginard, presided over the first edition of 'Mallorca, Land of Honor' on Monday at the Costa Nord cultural center, recently restored by the island council.
According to a press release, it is an initiative promoted by the Council of Mallorca that aims to become one of the island's highest institutional honors.
Also participating in the event were the island's Director of Destination and Sustainable Tourism and Vice President of the Mallorca Responsible Tourism Foundation, Tomeu Ferragut; the island's Director of Governance and Sustainable Tourism, Pedro Mas; and the island's Director of Tourism for Demand and Hospitality, Clara del Moral; as well as a broad representation of Mallorcan, national, and international civil society.
CONNECTION WITH THE ISLAND
The Council of Mallorca has created this award to recognize various individuals for their careers, their connection to the island, and their contribution to showing the world the essence, identity, and a deeply Mediterranean way of life.
"This award is intended to be an ongoing initiative, with the goal of paying tribute, year after year, to all those people who, from fields as diverse as culture, business, the media, science, sports, and the arts, have forged a deep bond with Mallorca and, through their careers and commitment, have helped project the values of our island far beyond our borders," said Galmés.
The island's president highlighted that "there are places that captivate for their beauty, but there are very few that also leave a lasting impression through the human qualities of its people."
"Majorca has the privilege of combining both qualities. It is an island admired around the world for its landscapes, its beaches, and the majesty of the Serra de Tramuntana, but its true essence lies in what it has managed to preserve over time: a solid identity, rooted in its history and traditions; a deep respect for the land; the strength of its community, and a way of understanding life that finds its most authentic expression in the Mediterranean," Galmés added.
TENTH PRIZE WINNERS
Through this initiative, the Council of Mallorca emphasizes the importance of having people who act as true ambassadors for the island.
Their track record and influence, they noted, allow them to convey a message to a wide range of audiences based on respect, the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and the care of Mallorca as one of the island's most valuable assets.
Their involvement, they emphasized, helps to foster a culture of shared responsibility that transcends the institutional sphere and reaches all of society.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees was Michael Douglas, who described Mallorca as his second home and highlighted the island's ability to inspire those who visit and to forge a bond that endures over time.
Each of the honorees received a silver pin with a Mallorcan cross, inspired by one of the great symbols of the island's traditional jewelry.
Originating in the 17th century, this piece is now one of the most representative emblems of Mallorcan craftsmanship and a symbol of identity and belonging.
During the evening, Llorenç Galmés thanked the awardees for their contribution to promoting an image of Mallorca linked to excellence, authenticity, culture, creativity, and quality of life, values that have made the island an international benchmark.
HOMAGE TO THE MAJORCAN COMPOSER AND SINGER JAUME ANGLADA
The event began with a performance of the song 'Ca Nostra' by singer-songwriter Jaume Anglada, sung by Mary Lambourne – a piece that captures the essence of the island and which the Mallorcan singer-songwriter has gifted to the Council of Mallorca.
Galmés presented Anglada with a gift as a token of special recognition. The event concluded with a gastronomic experience designed as a journey through the flavors of Mallorca, which included a mix of traditional recipes and contemporary creations made with local products, accompanied by a selection of island wines and featuring the traditional Valldemossa potato cake as the grand finale.
Beyond the awards presentation, the event brought together some of Mallorca's most influential opinion leaders to convey firsthand the message that underpins the responsible tourism strategy promoted by the Council, they explained. …to understand Mallorca not only as a destination admired around the world, but also as a home that everyone must protect, respect, and preserve.
With 'Mallorca, Land of Honor,' the Council of Mallorca introduces a new institutional award that aims to establish itself as a forum for dialogue with those who best represent the island's values and who, through their example and influence, help strengthen the collective commitment to the protection and future of Mallorca.