The Balearic Islands are taking significant steps to reshape their tourism model, aiming for sustainable practices that ensure citizens’ wellbeing. This transformation is prompted by the need to maintain success while prioritising environmental and social sustainability. Here are the highlights from the recent World Travel Market address by the Balearic Islands’ minister of tourism.
- The Balearic Islands’ minister emphasises the need for a sustainable transformation in tourism to benefit residents.
- Participation from local communities and stakeholders is critical for making sustainable tourism possible.
- A new tourism tax is set to raise substantial funds for environmental and infrastructure projects.
- Efforts to reduce peak season overcrowding have shown success with increased off-peak visitor numbers.
- The focus is shifting towards increasing the quality and value of tourism rather than sheer volume.
In a recent address at the World Travel Market in London, Jaume Bauzà Mayol, the Minister of Tourism for the Balearic Islands, asserted the necessity for a profound change in the tourism model to secure the wellbeing of its residents. The islands, renowned for their pristine accommodation and services, now aspire to lead in sustainability. This entails a more holistic approach that intertwines economic, social, and environmental factors.
The transformation will involve collaborative consultations with local communities, businesses, and partners. This participatory method ensures that the changes align with the needs and expectations of those living and operating within the islands. The minister highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that British visitors play a crucial role in recognising and engaging with these changes to support sustainable tourism.
To financially support this transformation, the Balearic Islands will increase the sustainable tourism tax next summer, expected to generate €470 million. This, combined with the €260 million received from European funds, will go towards projects like environmental protection, water management, and the preservation of cultural heritage. These funds will also help improve tourism infrastructure, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The introduction of a Responsible Tourism Decree Law, developed with inputs from the British Embassy and Consulate, aims to foster responsible behaviour and tourism practices. It will allocate €16 million annually from the sustainable tourism tax to key municipalities, enhancing their ability to manage tourism pressures and promote civility among visitors.
Efforts to desensitise tourism, or reduce the impact of peak summer months, have already produced positive results. A 4.4% visitor increase between January and September reflects initiatives to distribute the economic benefits of tourism throughout the year. As such, the Balearic government’s strategy focuses on growing tourism’s economic value rather than just increasing visitor numbers. The current spending model also supports this approach, with visitor expenditure rising faster than the increase in visitor numbers.
The Balearic Islands are committed to evolving their tourism model, ensuring sustainability and wellbeing for both citizens and visitors.