Officials in Majorca have issued a clear message to holidaymakers following overtourism overtourism protests.
Locals in the Balearic Islands in Spain have protested against the increased number of visitors to the island which is putting pressure on housing supplies, health services and water and waste management for those living there.
This in turn has put pressure on the Spanish government and local authorities to implement changes.
But the demonstrations seem to have backfired as tourist bookings to the Balearics saw a staggering increase by 41.6 percent in the last week compared to the same period in 2023.
Majorca’s director of tourism issued a clear message about the “Island of tomorrow” with a three-word direct message to both visitors and residents.
Susanna Sciacovelli, the director of Tourism Demand and Hospitality for the council of Majorca, said “we live off tourism” further indicating how imperative tourists are for the economy.
Speaking in an interview with Majorca Daily Bulletin, Sciacovelli discussed the plaguing issue of overtourism and said: ““Let’s be clear that we live off tourism: currently 87 percent of GDP and 40 percent of employment.”
“Many destinations would kill to have what we have.
“In the same day, you can enjoy a round of golf, play tennis, relax at the beach, go to work, dine in a restaurant – it’s such a privilege. And, if we didn’t have tourism, where would we be?
She added: “Taxes paid by hoteliers, business owners, employees, plus the money spent by tourists, help build our hospitals, our schools. It’s a circular economy that gives locals their quality of life.”
Despite the favourable attitude towards tourists, Sciacovelli also admitted that the system does need change due to the island’s “limited resources”.
“But you cannot, especially on a small island, continue to fixate on numbers and bring more tourists,” she said.
“Resources are limited and this is why we are now debating the ‘Island of tomorrow”.
The tourism chief further explained how better systems need to be put in place on the island adding how pre-pandemic tourist numbers were previously welcomed but now limits must be imposed.
“For the first time in our history, we’re talking more to the resident than to the tourist and learning so much,” she added.
“We’re not trying to win fans or public opinion, simply striving to transform the tourism industry such that it satisfies everyone.
“Everyone is on the right track; we just need to improve our messaging.”
