vacaynews.com
Spain is launching a bold initiative to combat overtourism in Majorca and Ibiza by capping vehicle entry and encouraging eco-friendly transportation, aiming to reduce road congestion, protect the environment, and ensure a more sustainable travel experience for both residents and visitors. This decisive move comes in response to growing traffic saturation and environmental concerns driven by rising tourist numbers and car usage across the Balearic Islands.
The Balearic Island of Majorca is preparing to implement its first-ever restrictions on vehicle entry, following in the footsteps of neighboring Ibiza. This major policy shift aims to curb rising road congestion, protect the island’s fragile environment, and promote sustainable tourism.
The plan, introduced by Majorca’s Island Council President Llorenç Galmés, aims to establish official annual caps on the total number of vehicles permitted to enter and operate on the island. A draft bill will be presented shortly to outline the framework for regulating vehicle entry, including specific annual or biannual quotas. Authorities say this proactive step is necessary to address growing traffic saturation caused by the rising number of visitors and resident vehicles.
Preference for Green Vehicles and Resident Rights
The proposed legislation will prioritize the use of electric and low-emission vehicles as part of a broader push toward environmental responsibility. Under the draft proposal, certain categories of vehicles will be exempt from restrictions. These include:
Vehicles owned by residents of Majorca
Transport used by persons with reduced mobility
Emergency and law enforcement vehicles
Goods transportation and commercial distribution vehicles
One vehicle per home owned by non-residents, provided it is registered fiscally to that residence
This structure is designed to strike a balance between reducing traffic and maintaining mobility for essential services and long-term stakeholders.
Ibiza’s Model Goes Live
The move in Majorca closely follows new restrictions implemented by Ibiza, which are set to take effect on June 1. Tourists wishing to bring their personal vehicles onto the island during the busy summer season must now apply for prior authorization. They will also need to pay a daily entry fee of one euro.
Additionally, car rental companies will be subject to a new tax, calculated based on the number of vehicles in their fleets. This tax is expected to raise rental prices across the island, prompting many visitors to reconsider their transport choices.
These changes will apply annually between June 1 and September 30. A new website—ibizacircular.es—has been launched to manage the application process and inform travelers of the new rules and exemptions. The site is available in English, making it accessible for international tourists.
Pushback from Car Rental Sector
While local authorities are defending the policies as necessary for environmental and infrastructural sustainability, the rental car industry has raised serious concerns.
Feneval, Spain’s national federation of vehicle rental companies, has criticized the initiative, arguing that rental vehicles make up only around ten percent of the daily traffic on Ibiza. The group believes these restrictions unfairly target their industry and will negatively affect employment and tourism revenue.
Under the new quota system, Ibiza will allow just sixteen thousand rental vehicles this summer—far below the nearly twenty-eight thousand requested by rental agencies. Feneval has urged the government to reconsider the cap and explore more balanced solutions.
Long-Term Vision: Sustainable Travel in the Balearics
Despite the controversy, the Balearic government is not backing down. Officials insist that the measures are vital to reducing environmental degradation, easing overcrowding, and preserving the islands’ appeal for future generations.
Majorca’s proposed legislation is expected to mirror Ibiza’s in structure, but with specific adjustments to suit the island’s larger population and infrastructure. If successful, the strategy could serve as a model for other Mediterranean destinations grappling with the pressures of mass tourism.
The broader vision is clear: both islands are moving away from car-dependent tourism models and embracing greener, smarter travel systems. By regulating the influx of private and rental vehicles, authorities hope to create a cleaner, more manageable transportation network that benefits both residents and travelers alike.
Spain is taking strong action to reduce overtourism in Majorca and Ibiza by limiting vehicle access and promoting green transport, aiming to ease congestion and protect the islands’ environment.
A New Era of Island Tourism
Majorca’s decision to implement car entry regulations marks a significant turning point in how the Balearic Islands manage tourism growth. For decades, tourism has been a cornerstone of the islands’ economies—but that success has come with challenges. Overcrowded roads, limited parking, and rising emissions have become major concerns for locals and policymakers.
By initiating vehicle limits and encouraging the use of electric transportation, the islands are signaling a shift toward more responsible travel. Though the measures may inconvenience some travelers in the short term, they are designed to protect the long-term sustainability of these beloved destinations.
As the summer season approaches, all eyes will be on Majorca and Ibiza to see how these bold new policies are implemented—and whether they succeed in striking the right balance between tourism growth and environmental stewardship.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/spain-moves-boldly-to-protect-majorca-and-ibiza-by-enforcing-groundbreaking-vehicle-entry-limits-to-champion-sustainable-tourism/
You may also like
