The Balearic Islands are set to transform their tourism model to ensure citizen wellbeing.
- Jaume Bauzà Mayol emphasised the need for quality and sustainability in tourism.
- A participatory process involving locals and businesses has been launched.
- The sustainable tourism tax will fund environmental and infrastructure projects.
- Deseasonalisation efforts aim to distribute tourism benefits throughout the year.
The Balearic Islands are stepping up their efforts to change the tourism landscape to protect the wellbeing of their citizens. At the World Travel Market in London, Jaume Bauzà Mayol, the region’s tourism minister, highlighted the pressing need to deepen tourism strategies to balance success with citizen health and environmental sustainability.
Mayol stressed that the islands are recognised for their high-quality accommodation, services, and security. However, their ambition extends to being leaders in environmental sustainability and citizen welfare, prompting the launch of a participatory process to transform the tourism model. This initiative will involve consultations with local residents, various stakeholders, and companies to ensure the islands’ economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
With British visitors playing a pivotal role in their tourism market, Mayol welcomed their participation and cooperation as these changes unfold. He called upon the UK travel trade to transparently communicate these new developments to their clientele, reiterating the UK’s importance to the islands’ economy.
Integral to this transformation is the sustainable tourism tax, anticipated to generate €470 million next summer, earmarked for sustainable projects. This is in addition to the €260 million received from European funds, aimed at protecting natural resources, managing water, safeguarding heritage, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure.
The Balearic Islands have also introduced a ‘Responsible Tourism Decree Law’ to combat uncivil behaviours and encourage respectful tourism. This law, developed with British diplomatic bodies, will allocate €16 million annually to municipalities like Palma and Calvià, enhancing tourism resources and community wellbeing.
Efforts to reduce seasonal tourism peaks are underway, with a notable 4.4% increase in visitors from January to September 2024 compared to the previous year. This increase was largely during the first quarter, a direct result of strategies to spread tourism benefits year-round, mitigating the summer crowd impact. Mayol advocates for growth in tourism that prioritises value over volume, with current spending figures showing a higher spend per visitor than before.
The Balearic Islands are committed to refining their tourism model to focus on sustainability and community wellbeing.
