16.6 C
Japan
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Palma, Majorca Cracks Down on Over-Tourism

Must read

Palma, the capital of Majorca, a favored destination among British tourists, is taking decisive actions to address the issue of over-tourism. Mayor Jaime Martinez has introduced stringent new regulations, including a complete prohibition on party boats, new tourist rentals, and youth hostels.

The ban on additional tourist rentals, which was previously restricted in multi-family residences, has now been extended to single-family homes and room rentals that were previously advertised on platforms like Airbnb. The mayor emphasized that Palma currently has only 639 legal tourist rentals, which will be allowed to continue, but any cancellations will not be replaced.

Furthermore, the city has announced a ban on the establishment of new hostels, urging existing ones to consider converting into hotels or residential properties. Party boats will no longer be permitted to dock along Palma’s seafront starting from the upcoming season.

Efforts are underway to collaborate with the Balearic port authority to enforce these restrictions effectively. Mayor Martinez highlighted the numerous complaints from residents, particularly regarding the type of tourists attracted during the peak summer season. These measures reflect the city council’s dedication to maintaining the quality of the destination and combating illegal tourism.

In a broader context, Spain, along with countries like Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Greece, is intensifying its crackdown on unlawful tourist accommodations to tackle the growing issue of over-tourism. Illegal holiday rentals have been a long-standing concern, prompting protests last summer due to their adverse impact on local housing availability and escalating rental prices.

Majorca, in particular, has witnessed a significant surge in housing prices, further exacerbating the housing crisis. Authorities in various European countries are enhancing inspections, implementing stricter licensing procedures, and seeking increased cooperation from booking platforms to address this challenge.

Despite warnings of substantial fines, a recent report revealed that there are still approximately 7,000 illegally rented holiday flats in the Balearic Islands. The stringent enforcement aims to create a fairer market for legitimate operators and protect local communities from the negative effects of illegal accommodations.

Authorities emphasize that while tourists are welcome, compliance with regulations and respect for local residents are paramount. The housing crisis in Spain has reached a critical juncture, prompting the government to declare it a “social emergency” and underscore the urgent need for new housing construction to meet demand.

Barcelona stands out for its stringent regulations on holiday rentals, with plans to phase out tourist apartments entirely by 2028. Mayor Jaume Collboni has affirmed that no new licenses for tourist-use flats will be issued after November 2028.

Spain remains a top destination for UK travelers, with nearly 18 million Britons visiting in 2023, surpassing the number of visitors to other popular destinations like France.

More articles

Latest article