Wellbeing Days at OnTurtle Spain
La Jonquera (Girona), Spain
Wellbeing at OnTurtle La Jonquera: A Day of Gratitude and Action for Europe’s Professional Drivers
On 29 May 2026, the secure truck parking and service area of OnTurtle La Jonquera (Girona, Spain) hosted a vibrant and impactful edition of the European Wellbeing Initiative event. Organised in collaboration with ESPORG and the European Wellbeing Campaign, the day united industry leaders, policymakers, transport operators, associations, and professional drivers under the inspiring motto “Drive Safe · Park Safe · Work Safe · Live Well.”
From high-level strategic discussions to hands-on wellbeing activities, the event created a powerful space for dialogue, recognition, gratitude, and practical support — placing the real needs and experiences of drivers at the heart of the conversation.
Morning of Insightful Dialogue and Commitment
The programme began at Hotel Tramuntana with registration, welcome coffee, networking, and a photocall. It continued with inspiring opening words from Marta Fàbregas (CEO of OnTurtle), Dirk Penasse (General Manager of ESPORG), and Druselia Betea (Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative), who presented the philosophy and growing momentum of the movement.
Moderated by Pablo Combalía (BDM OnTurtle), the first roundtable — “The Future of Road Transport: Challenges and Safety” — addressed key structural issues facing the sector: the severe driver shortage, the estimated deficit of nearly 390,000 secure parking spaces in the EU, digitalisation, sustainability, the role of technology (telematics, AI, ADAS), balancing logistics efficiency with dignified working conditions, and strategies to attract new generations. Speakers included Rafael Medinilla (Ayuntamiento de La Jonquera), Jordi Espín (European Shippers’ Council), Nuria Lacaci(Asociación de Cargadores de España), and Dirk Penasse.
The second roundtable, focused on “Health and Wellbeing in Road Transport”, explored a holistic approach — physical, mental, and social — and how wellbeing can be integrated into core business strategy beyond traditional CSR. Discussions covered mental health challenges such as loneliness, stress, and family disconnection, as well as the direct impact of wellbeing on road safety, productivity, and driver retention, alongside practical questions around measuring ROI.
A deeply touching moment followed with the Gratitude Jar activity, led by Druselia Betea. Participants wrote personal messages of appreciation and gratitude for truck drivers, celebrating their essential contribution to European society.
The morning concluded with the third roundtable, “Drive Safe: Benefits of Secure Parking”. This session highlighted how secure parking has evolved from basic safety infrastructure into true wellbeing hubs for drivers — integrating security, hygiene, rest, connectivity, and services. Speakers emphasised the direct impact on reducing risks, improving rest quality, and enhancing competitiveness for transport operators. The panel reinforced the vital role of quality facilities in supporting compliant rest and overall driver health.
The morning sessions ended with the signing of the Wellbeing Pledge, a public commitment by all participants to advance concrete actions for driver wellbeing.
Afternoon Dedicated to Drivers: Practical Care and Joy
After a networking lunch, the focus shifted fully to the drivers. A dedicated wellbeing zone offered practical and uplifting activities:
– Free barber shop and haircuts — professional grooming sessions providing a fresh look and a relaxing moment of personal care.
– Health check-ups and healthy lifestyle information — on-site screenings and tailored advice on nutrition, fatigue management, physical activity, and preventive health for long-haul drivers.
– Social games and recreational moments — foosball, darts tournaments, and other interactive games that fostered laughter, camaraderie, and stress relief.
– Guided visits to the facilities — allowing drivers and participants to experience OnTurtle’s secure parking, rest areas, restaurant, showers, and amenities firsthand.
These activities created a warm, lively atmosphere where drivers could recharge physically, mentally, and socially while exchanging real-life experiences with industry stakeholders.
The Heart of the Message
The Onturtle La Jonquera event delivered a clear and powerful message: driver wellbeing is essential — not optional — for safer roads, a more attractive profession, better retention, and a resilient logistics sector. By combining strategic roundtables with genuine gestures of gratitude and practical self-care, the day bridged high-level policy with the daily realities of life on the road. Quality secure parking like OnTurtle plays a central role as a wellbeing hub that supports rest, reduces fatigue, and enhances quality of life.
OnTurtle La Jonquera: Excellence in Service and Security
Located next to highway AP7 (exit 2) in Polígono Industrial La Campa 5, La Jonquera, OnTurtle La Jonquera is a flagship facility rated GOLD in security and PLATINUM in services by ESPORG Award. It features 50 secure parking spaces with 24/7 surveillance cameras, entry/exit control barriers, LED perimeter lighting, and a 2.56m protected fence. Drivers enjoy showers, bathrooms, rest zones, a gaming area, and a Mediterranean restaurant open 7/7 from 6am to 2am, offering healthy options (salads, vegetables, fish) and special menus such as starter + main course + dessert for 12.90€, with discounts for loyalty cardholders.
This outstanding combination of security, comfort, and services made OnTurtle La Jonquera the ideal venue for a day fully dedicated to driver wellbeing.
The European Wellbeing Initiative, supported by the European Commission and over 150 partners, continues to advance through events like this. Together, we are building a transport sector that truly values and supports those who keep Europe moving every day.
