Balearic Islands government resists calls for tourism reduction

The Balearic Islands government is facing internal and external pressure regarding the management of tourism massification. Tourism Minister Jaume Bauzá has rejected calls for tourism reduction, stating that such a move would “bring suffering” to businesses and workers. Bauzá noted that while the number of tourists is increasing, stay durations are shorter, and attributed current growth to policies from previous administrations.

Simultaneously, President Marga Prohens met with environmental organizations GOB and Terraferida to discuss the social unrest caused by two decades of tourism growth. However, the meeting failed to reach any agreements. The PSIB-PSOE opposition criticized the lack of consensus, while the government defended its existing measures, including the limitation of tourist beds, the prohibition of new tourist apartments, and efforts to curb illegal offerings and cruise ship arrivals.