Balearic Islands panic as Ibiza unveils another crackdown on tourism

Ibiza Authorities Impose Limits on Rental Cars Amidst Overtourism Concerns

Officials on the popular Balearic island of Ibiza have announced stringent measures to limit the number of rental cars permitted on its roads, responding to ongoing local frustration with overtourism. The move comes as the island prepares for another summer season potentially marked by protests against increasing tourist arrivals, mirroring demonstrations experienced last year across the Balearic Islands. Early indications of continued public discontent include recent instances of disruption, such as the blockade of a scenic mountain location in Ibiza. The initiative aims to address traffic congestion and mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on the island.

Efforts to Manage Tourist Impact

In an effort to manage the growing challenges associated with tourism, authorities have previously implemented various initiatives. These include restrictions on cruise ship arrivals, stricter enforcement against unauthorized short-term holiday rentals, and promotion of responsible travel through the “Love Ibiza” campaign. The Ibiza Island Council’s most recent strategy to tackle congested roadways involves legislative caps on the total number of vehicles allowed on the island at any given time, with specific limitations targeting rental car numbers.

New Vehicle Restrictions Detailed

Announced on Friday, the new regulations will establish a ceiling of 20,168 vehicles permitted on Ibiza’s roads, according to reports from the Majorcan Daily Bulletin.

Within this overall limit, the number of rental cars will be capped at 16,000. Further restrictions will apply to motorhomes, limiting road access to those registered on the island or possessing reservations at official campsites.

Industry Concerns Regarding Broader Tax Measures

The Balearic Government has also suggested a wider tax on all rental vehicles. Julio Nieto, president of the Baleval car-hire association, has voiced concerns that such a tax would unfairly “demonise” the rental sector. He argued that the industry is responding to “generated demand” rather than creating it.

Ibiza Faces Challenges of Overtourism

Ibiza is among numerous globally recognized tourist destinations grappling with the challenges of overtourism. Factors contributing to this issue include affordable air travel, social media marketing, and in some cases, underdeveloped infrastructure. The relatively small permanent population of Ibiza, when contrasted with its Balearic counterparts, underscores the disproportionate impact of mass tourism on the island.

The island, located in the western Mediterranean, is home to approximately 160,000 residents – significantly fewer than Majorca’s 966,000. However, Ibiza received over 3.3 million tourist visits in 2023.

Housing Crisis Fuels Public Discontent

A primary driver of public demonstrations is the ongoing housing crisis across the archipelago, particularly within the rental housing market. Reports from Diario de Ibiza indicate that the increasing number of affluent foreign property owners has driven up single-room rental prices to above €1,400 (£1,170).

Local reports suggest that this situation has placed hundreds of thousands of individuals at risk of poverty. Authorities are reportedly struggling to effectively address the multifaceted impacts of this persistent problem.