Balearic Islands plotting new crackdown to ‘control tourism’ in blow for Brits | World | News
The government of the Balearic Islands in Spain have agreed to a new tourism decree aimed at controlling the impact of tourism in the region. The new measures come amid growing anger in the Balearics – Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera – and other parts of Spain, as locals bemoan “overtourism” and the subsequent impact on the economy.
Many Spaniards feel the number of tourists arriving each year is pushing up living costs and making housing unaffordable. The Tourism Containment Measures decree includes measures to combat unlicensed tourist rentals and prohibition of new accommodation in multi-family dwellings. There is a temporary 90,000 holiday rental space limit in place while the government decides on a permanent limit.
Antoni Costa, vice-president of the Balearics, said the new measures are designed to “contain” the impact of tourism rather than reduce the number of arrivals,
He added: “Not one more bed will be allowed. This government has never been committed to decreasing the number of beds. We are only committed to reducing illegal tourist rental beds.”
Mr Costa also said that the government is in “an all-out fight” against illegal supply.
The 90,000 space limit could result in tourists finding it more difficult to secure holiday rentals.
In 2024, the Balearic Islands received a total of 15.3 million visitors, a record high. This marked a 6.15% increase compared to the previous year.
However, hoteliers have said the 90,000 rental spaces are still too many.
The Mallorca Hoteliers Federation said it is “scandalous” and “incomprehensible” for so many places to remain available given the state of the housing crisis.
Last week, protests were held across Spain as Spaniards voiced their concern about the levels of tourism.
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in protests held across 40 cities.
“They’re kicking all of us out to make tourist flats,” said Margarita Aizpuru, a 65-year-old resident of the capital Madrid told Reuters.
In 2024, Spain received a total of 94 million tourists, making it the second most-visited country in the world.
