The only countermeasure is to limit the number of overnight beds.
Will Mallorca and the Balearic Islands no longer celebrate their record season? Tourists are more of a concern in terms of numbers, and the overcrowding and human pressures they bring to the islands Due to stress, it is a major concern.
In 2023, the total number of tourists increased by 1.3 million to 17.8 million. It is not inconceivable that in 2024 this total number could increase by another 2 million people and reach 20 million people, twice as much as it was at the beginning of this century.
This does not mean that the first quarter’s data will be repeated in other quarters, but it is indicative. The Balearic Institute of Statistics reported a 17% increase in tourist arrivals between January and March this year.
Although only a suggestion, the National Tourism Authority of Turespaña points out that the increase rate for all of Spain in May was 14%, with the Balearic Islands in terms of the largest contribution from May to October. has taken over the country’s leadership, a position Catalonia once held. . Mallorca Hoteliers Federation predicts that mid-summer bookings will increase by 15%. When you also factor in the airline’s programmed seat capacity, 20 million isn’t that far-fetched.
Climent Piconel, professor emeritus of geography at the University of the Balearic Islands, made his own calculations of growth of 15% to 18%. In addition to projections from various sources, the number of illegal accommodations should be added, he says. “These have increased rapidly in recent years. They have increased in both the vacation rental and hotel sectors, resulting in overoccupancy and undeclared rooms.”
A further noteworthy factor is that the length of stay has decreased. This was approximately 1 day in 2023. This may not sound like a big deal, but it indicates an increase in guest turnover.
For Piconel, the fact that the Partido Popular government is talking for the first time about curbing the growth of tourism is a “very important turning point” and this year very early, “much earlier than in previous years.” This is due to the road congestion that has begun. .
Piconel acknowledges that tourist overcrowding is not a problem limited to Mallorca, the Balearic Islands or other parts of Spain. It’s a worldwide phenomenon. “It’s happening all over the world.” He believes attempts to limit arrivals at ports and airports are “utopian proposals.” “The only way Mallorca and the Balearic Islands can act is to limit the number of tourist accommodations.”
