The dissatisfaction of the residents of the Balearic Islands with tourism is constantly increasing with the majority considering that the number of visitors to Mallorca and Ibiza is excessive, according to a new survey carried out by the Balearic Islands Tourism Organization (AETIB).
Of the 2,000 participants in the survey from Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, 75.6% consider that the number of tourists is too high. The residents’ criticism focuses mainly on the consequences that tourism has on the cost of living and the environment. 77.2% believe that tourism is responsible for the increase in rents, 65.5% for traffic congestion and 63.2% for the burden on natural resources.
55.3% consider tourism responsible for the increase in prices and services. In addition, 32.4% express concern about the impact on the culture and cultural heritage of the Balearic Islands, with Mallorca showing the highest percentage of concern (51.4%).
Of course, businesses highlight that due to tourism revenues, more action is being taken in the field of culture and the majority of residents do not want tourism to stop as 86% consider it to contribute to economic prosperity and 74% consider it to be a driving force for employment.
Satisfaction with tourism varies by island. In Formentera, 68% are satisfied, in Menorca 66%, while in Ibiza only 48.3% and in Mallorca 38%.
Regarding measures for a more “sustainable” tourist experience, most residents are in favor of implementing restrictions:
69.1% want the total number of visitors to be legally limited.
The same percentage wants fewer cruise ships.
80.5% want to limit apartments and 79.6% want to limit rental cars.
67.6% are in favor of further increasing the eco-tax and 52% are in favor of limiting advertising for tourism purposes.
In milder measures, 90% want a better distribution of tourists across the islands.
