Every year, nearly 800,000 tourists flood into Binibeca Vell, a tiny, whitewashed village on Menorca island, often dubbed “the Spanish Mykonos” for its resemblance to the popular Greek island. This picturesque village, with its quaint alleys and sparkling turquoise waters, has become a major draw for visitors to Spain’s Mediterranean Balearic Isles.
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However, the influx of tourists has become a significant burden for the village’s 200 residents. “That is a lot,” said Oscar Monge, who heads a local residents’ association. Monge, like many locals, wishes for a calmer environment and finds the crowds overwhelming. The behavior of some visitors, who occasionally invade residents’ privacy by climbing walls and entering homes uninvited, adds to the frustration.
To address the issue, residents have recently imposed restrictions, allowing tourists to visit only between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm. On August 15, they will vote on whether to ban visitors entirely. This potential ban has sparked debate among locals. Some locals worry that a complete closure could negatively impact local businesses, and hope for a more flexible approach.
The problem of overtourism is not unique to Binibeca Vell. Last year, the Balearic Islands saw a record 17.8 million visitors, and this number is expected to rise. It is also felt that there’s a need to consider the “negative social impact” of tourism and to find a balance that allows tourism to coexist with residents’ lives.
In response to growing local exasperation, several measures have been implemented across the Balearic Islands. Some towns in Mallorca and Ibiza have restricted alcohol sales after 9:30 pm and banned street drinking. Additionally, the mayor of Palma in Mallorca is planning to ban new tourist accommodations and limit cruise ship arrivals, while Ibiza aims to tighten rules for party boats.
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At the end of May, millions of residents from Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza protested against overtourism, rallying under the slogan: “Our islands are not for sale.” They cited concerns about noise, traffic congestion, pollution, and rising house prices due to the conversion of apartments into tourist accommodations.
To address these issues, the regional government has formed a committee of experts to develop a “roadmap” for sustainable tourism. While finding a balance is challenging in a region where tourism accounts for 45 percent of the income, both lawmakers and locals agree that some restrictions are necessary to preserve the quality of life for residents.
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As the residents of Binibeca Vell prepare to vote on the future of tourism in their village, the outcome will likely influence broader discussions on managing overtourism across the Balearic Islands.
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