Visitors to popular Spanish destinations are likely to face higher rates and new rules this summer, with many local governments considering tackling fresh laws this summer to address a wave of tourist problems.
With holiday hotspots like Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza estimated to experience an influx of 20 million people this year, Balearics politicians are considering “tourism containment” measures to avoid “non-crow spraying.” On Friday, the governors' party will propose a package of new measures that is expected to include new tourism taxes in overnight stays on the island and more police powers to reveal illegal tourist rentals.
Among the legislative proposals under consideration are the ban on foreign vehicles entering Mallorca in accordance with similar measures implemented on other land areas in the Balearic Archipelago, such as Ibiza and Formentera. But it's important for lawmakers to balance: tourism spending on the island reached £18 billion in 2024, accounting for 43% of the local economy.
But to prevent overcrowding and limit the pressure to place the booming holiday rental market at local rent prices, the minister is looking to shift millions of holiday makers, whether to limit the flow of visitors through the airport or place additional taxes on certain locations. After record numbers in 2024, Tourism Minister Jam Bauza prior to the proposal, “We have certainly reached the limit.”
Bauza supports the idea of containment or limiting the flow of visitors, saying, “For a while, the government believes that the only way we have to grow is to do so, not quality, and we can move towards a more sustainable model that is committed to the environment.”
Politicians in the Balearic autonomous community have succumbed to pressure from widespread protests and demonstrations over the effects of overtourism on local service and housing.
However, it was revealed this week that these protests had leveled flat. Balearyx holiday bookings have skyrocketed, with the February darkness flying 20% in a week with people tired of choosing an island for their summer holidays.
With this continued rise, these unpermuted measures could gain cross-party support even in the island's opposition Socialist Party (PSOE) by denounce “excessive” visitor numbers. Tourism is positive and our economy's future depends on it. He added:
However, with similar measures present across Europe and other Spanish destinations, it is unclear how this extra financial burden on vacationers will keep the ever-growing numbers and surge in rental prices. Or, as one resident asked, “Instead of banning (tourists), why not start building public housing?”
