Mrs. Barbara Svehlakova, manager of Gran Canaria Redonda, tells us the secrets of this island with therapeutic virtues, located near Africa. “Our ambition is to establish strong strategic partnerships with African countries,” she says. Interview.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about the main missions of the Gran Canaria Redonda structure that you lead?
My name is Barbara Svehlakova. I was born in 1973 in the Czech Republic, but I have lived on the island of Gran Canaria for 25 years, which has become my second home. I speak five languages, and for 20 years, I have worked in the commercial management of large hotel structures. About 16 months ago I had the opportunity to take on a fantastic project: Gran Canaria Redonda. This structure is dedicated to tourism promotion and manages four associations of tourist products, all official brands of the Gran Canaria destination. Today we focus on the brand Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Healthwhich has existed for 20 years. It is supported by local authorities and the Federation of Tourism and Hospitality Entrepreneurs.
We mainly work on two axes. The first concerns the promotion of 4 and 5 star hotels equipped with spas and thalassotherapy centers. We are organizing intensive marketing campaigns to expand our offerings and attract more tourists, particularly from Europe and Africa. The second axis concerns the medical sector, in collaboration with the main private hospital structures, such as university hospitals. Saint Roch (Las Palmas and Maspalomas) and the Hospital Perpetual Helpfounded in 1959.
Our big challenges for 2025 include expanding our local network of medical partners to offer a more diversified offering. We also want to strengthen our presence in the African market, targeting countries accessible by direct flights such as Mauritania, Senegal and Morocco, while exploring other promising markets such as Gambia, Guinea Conakry and the Côte d ‘Ivory.
What are the reasons that make this island a popular destination for medical tourism?
Gran Canaria remains a leading destination for medical tourism, for several reasons. First of all, the island benefits from a mild and pleasant climate all year roundideal for recovery and well-being. The natural beauty of the island, between magnificent beaches, volcanic landscapes, water sports and cultural richness, offers an environment conducive to convalescence. In addition, the island offers medical care and surgical services of high quality thanks to modern infrastructure and competent medical teams. Finally, the value for money treatment is very competitive compared to other similar destinations.
What is your vision for Africa in the coming years?
Our ambition is to establish strong strategic partnerships with African countries to develop win-win relationships. We want to collaborate with governments, financial institutions and the private sector to strengthen trade and investment in the medical field. Furthermore, we aim to attract African patients seeking quality care, while putting our expertise at the service of humanitarian organizations through initiatives such as targeted medical caravans.
Do you have any final words to share with our readers?
I thank Financial Africa for this exchange. To all our African partners and friends, I would say that Gran Canaria combines quality medical care and an exceptional setting, making it an ideal destination to combine health and well-being.
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