Balearic Islands Fight Overtourism with New Policies

The Balearic Islands, located near eastern Spain, are experiencing significant challenges due to overtourism. The archipelago, including the capital city of Majorca, has become a focal point for new policies aimed at managing the influx of visitors. These measures are in response to the negative impacts of mass tourism, which include strain on resources and housing issues.

Local authorities are implementing various strategies to address the problem. One example is the introduction of residents-only parking areas, such as the one recently opened in Valldemossa, West Mallorca. This initiative prioritizes residents' needs by restricting parking access to permit holders. Other measures include expanding pay-for-parking zones and implementing stricter regulations on short-term rentals.

The Balearic government acknowledges the severity of the situation, admitting that the islands have reached their limit in terms of tourist capacity. The government is actively working to address the concerns of the resident population. Announced measures include limiting cruise ship arrivals, increasing the Sustainable Tourism Tax, and tightening control over short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb.

Additional deterrents include a planned prohibition on new accommodation in multi-family homes and a temporary limit on rental spaces. The government's approach focuses on containing tourist numbers rather than reducing them. The goal is to manage the existing tourist flow while addressing issues related to illegal rentals and infrastructure strain. Despite these efforts, the Balearic Islands saw a rise in tourist arrivals in the previous year.