Spanish island introduces strict new rules for tourists
AN ISLAND in Spain has announced a series of strict new rules that will affect holidaymakers this year.
Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands, will be limiting the number of cruise ships arriving on the island.
In 2023, and 2024, only three cruise ships will be allowed to dock at Palma's port every day.
The plans were announced at a conference in Paris where tourism leaders agreed to a "quality over quantity" approach in regard to the island's tourism.
Palma's port will not be able to receive more than three cruise ships per day in the next two years.
The pact, which is the first of its kind in Spain, plans to reduce the number of tourists on the island while tackling environmental concerns at the same time.
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Several cruise companies have signed an agreement adhering to the new rules, including MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Costa Cruises, among others.
Majorca's Minister of Economic Model, Tourism and Labour, lago Negueruela Vázquez said: "The foundations of an even more responsible tourism model have been laid and one that continues to generate wealth, addressing the specific needs of Palma."
The agreement means images, which infuriated environmental campaigners, such as five mega cruises moored on the same day in Palma, will not be repeated.
President of the Employers' Association of Maritime Activities Entrepreneurs, Beatriz Orejudo said: "Palma is one of the most demanded by European cruise passengers but as agreed between Cruise Lines International Association and the regional executive, there will be no exception days in 2023 since the shipping companies have had enough time to adapt to the new regulation."
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Despite the strict new rules, some campaigners don't believe the move goes far enough.
The Platform Against Megacruises said: "We are convinced that the reduction in the arrival of these ships is insufficient.
"This tourism is, apparently, the origin of great evils; the fact that these ships have chimneys is one of the most serious.
"Like everything else, it is good management that will allow visitors to get to know the island without giving the impression that they have landed with the intention of embittering our existence."
The news comes after several Spanish hotspots announced plans to limit the number of tourists arriving from the UK.
Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, also unveiled a new tourism strategy.
The island plans to declare itself a "tourist-saturated area" in a move that will see the island welcome fewer tourists who have greater spending power.
Meanwhile, Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands, has been named one of the hottest places to be this summer - and it's not just because of the weather.
Holidaymakers can travel around Spain for free this summer.
