At Parques Reunidos, learning is not just about acquiring new skills — it is about creating impact. In a business as diverse, operational and people-driven as ours, meaningful learning is what connects individual growth with collective success, and purpose with performance.

As part of our Learning That Leaves a Mark series, we spoke with Belén Mani, Talent and Development Expert at Parques Reunidos, about how learning shapes engagement, leadership and future readiness across the Group.

In a company as diverse and operational as Parques Reunidos, what does “meaningful learning” really mean to you?

Meaningful learning goes beyond acquiring technical skills. It happens when people understand how what they learn directly contributes to the company’s mission and purpose. At Parques Reunidos, this connection is grounded in continuous learning and a strong test and learn mindset.

When learning is linked to purpose and engagement, it stops being a training exercise and becomes a competitive advantage. People gain confidence to make decisions, lead change and create real impact. Meaningful learning is achieved when individuals feel that their personal growth fuels the collective success of the company.

In your view, how does access to learning influence motivation, engagement and growth across such a diverse workforce?

Access to learning is a powerful driver of motivation and engagement. By enabling self-enrolment in training, employees can choose learning paths aligned with their interests and career aspirations.

At the same time, Parques Reunidos promotes internal mobility and career progression across the Group. Combining formal learning with on-the-job development allows people to grow both technically and transversally. In diverse environments, inclusive learning removes barriers and ensures that diversity becomes a true lever for inclusion and sustainable success.

Beyond mandatory and regulatory training, how does Parques Reunidos create real development opportunities for all our people, wherever they are?

We offer flexible learning formats — both in-person and virtual — to support a global and operational workforce. Beyond mandatory training, our elearning tool, KnowledgeCoaster, provides voluntary, open access to learning opportunities for all employees, in their native language.

The platform covers a wide range of topics, from Diversity and Cultural Awareness to digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence and Power BI, supporting both professional growth and better understanding of our diverse guests.

In 2025, we also launched the KnowledgeCoaster Learning Journey pilot at HQ, defining tailored learning paths by function and aligned with business priorities. These first learning journeys ensure teams have the capabilities they need to continue growing and developing.

We’ve invested in leadership and soft-skills development through tailored workshops. Why are these skills so critical for our business today?

In a people-driven business where diversity is the norm, leadership and soft skills are essential. Leadership directly impacts employee engagement, service quality and guest satisfaction.

Empathy, communication and relational leadership create positive environments where people feel motivated to perform and innovate. Strong leaders encourage ideas, see mistakes as learning opportunities and help teams adapt to change. When leadership is service-oriented and purpose-driven, it strengthens both performance and retention.

Looking ahead, what capability or mindset will be most important for our teams to thrive in the future?

Critical thinking will be key. It enables better decision-making, reduces bias and helps teams navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. In fast-changing environments, it drives innovation, adaptability and effective problem-solving.

Critical thinking empowers people to question assumptions, analyze information rigorously and align decisions with strategic objectives. In the long term, it strengthens organizational resilience and becomes a strategic asset for sustainable growth and success.