Palma's Mayor aims to completely transform tourism in Mallorca.
Residents of Mallorca, who rely on tourism for their livelihood, have had enough of the large crowds from all over the world and are demanding changes. The mayor of Palma is now suggesting possible solutions, which the locals seem to support. If everyone gets involved, tourism on the island could undergo a significant transformation.
The mayor of Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca wants to address the negative aspects of massive tourism with strict laws. Jaime Martinez presented a plan that entails limiting the number of tourists, rental cars, cruise ships, and vacation rentals on the holiday island.
However, many of his suggested changes depend on the approval of other authorities, such as the island council, the government of the Balearic Islands, or even the Spanish central government in Madrid.
The conservative politician plans to first present his proposals to the Balearic government at a meeting with politicians and representatives of interest groups on Thursday. He may be able to implement some of his ideas immediately, such as banning the addition of new guest beds in private vacation rentals or imposing higher fines on local residents who cause excessive pollution.
Less partying, more police presence
For most of his other ideas and demands, he requires the support of various parties. These include, for example, restrictions or bans on party boats and larger cruise ships, double fees for cruise tourists, limiting the number of tourists permitted to be led through the city in groups, restrictions on rental cars in the urban center, total alcohol bans on the streets of the municipality, including the popular German tourist destination of Playa de Palma, and an increased number of local and national police officers.
Thousands protested in Palma on Saturday with the slogans "We've had enough!" and "Mallorca is not for sale!" against mass tourism. The increasing number of visitors and vacation rentals is blamed for housing shortages, the "destruction" of the island, traffic congestion, pollution, and crime, according to the protesters.
The demonstration took place in the context of the restaurant collapse at Ballermann on Thursday, in which four people died, including two young German women. Mayor Martinez announced on Tuesday that the owners of the establishment did not have a business license for the balcony terrace, which is believed to have caused the accident.
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The mayor's proposal to limit cruise ships visiting Majorca could significantly reduce the environmental pollution caused by their large numbers. Many apartment owners in Majorca, particularly those in the tourism industry, may need to adapt to stricter regulations on vacation rentals. The international tourism industry could be impacted by Majorca's decision to reduce the number of tourists, potentially leading to a shift in popular holiday destinations.
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