Balearic Islands president calls for limits on mass tourism

Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, has called for a shift in the region's tourism model, advocating for limits on visitor numbers to curb unsustainable growth. The islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, are approaching a record year with an estimated 20 million tourists, an increase of nearly 1 million from the previous year.

Prohens argues that success should no longer be measured by the quantity of tourists, but by the economic value they generate. She stated, “We cannot continue to grow at this pace and with this model,” emphasizing the need to prioritize quality over quantity.

The call for change follows significant social unrest and large-scale protests against mass tourism. Residents have expressed frustration over the impact of the tourism influx on the housing market and local quality of life. In July, approximately 10,000 people participated in demonstrations in Mallorca under the slogan “Mallorca is at a breaking point,” demanding a change in the islands' socio-economic model.