Despite the downturn in tourism caused by the Covid pandemic, the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera remain determined to put sustainability right at the front of the new tourism agenda.
Below are some sustainable tourism initiatives from the Balearic islands.
Menorca tourist board continues to strengthen long-term sustainable strategy
Menorca continues to develop its long-term sustainable tourism strategy to help preserve the island’s natural ecosystem revealing a new sustainability project entitled “Concept 0C02”. The project is ultimately aimed at reducing C02 emissions and includes a number of initiatives, such as a new network of routes linked to gastronomy, ethnology, astrology and more. UNESCO recognised Menorca as a natural biosphere reserve in 1993, taking into consideration the high degree of compatibility achieved between the development of economic activities, expenditure and the ongoing conservation of its landscapes and heritage. Sustainability continues to lie at the very heart of Menorca’s tourism strategy.
Balearic Islands: The Balearic Islands to ban single-use plastic in 2021
The Balearic Islands will ban the sale of all single-use consumer plastics such as plastic cups, plates and cutlery, straws, disposable razors, lighters and coffee machine capsules by March 2021 in a bid to better protect the environment. The Balearic Islands have been working intensively over the last few years to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism; and this measure will help move towards the overall goal of being a sustainable destination.
Mallorca: The city of Palma to become a smart tourism destination
Palma Tourist Board unveils an ambitious project for 2021 named “Plan Impulso Palma”, aiming to transform the capital of the Balearic Islands into a smart and sustainable destination to help drive the recovery of the tourism industry following the impact of COVID-19. The smart tourism model will be based around four key pillars: implementation of technological solutions to interact with tourists, boosting the city’s digitalisation, creating new sustainability and quality control accreditations and implementing safety and hygiene programs and protocols. The total investment for this project is €975,000.
Mallorca: A new mountain refugee to open its doors in Mallorca’s mountain range Serra de Tramuntana
An ambitious project aims to transform Ses Porqueres de Galatzó, a building which originally served as an animal shelter, into a modern and environmentally friendly mountain refuge located in the western part of the island. The building lies on the picturesque Ruta de Piedra Seco (Dry Stone Route), which offers a series of hiking paths running through scenic Mallorcan pine forests, malvasía vines (Mediterranean grapes) and olive groves, typical of the Balearic Islands. Once completed, Ses Porqueres de Galatzó will offer hikers 52 beds divided between 12 rooms as well as a kitchen, dining rooms and a multifunctional room for educational and cultural activities. Ses Porqueres de Galatzó will open its doors in 2021.
Farmers & Co and Cómete Menorca connect visitors with small island producers
In preparation for Menorca’s status as European Region of Gastronomy 2022, local companies Farmers & Co, and Cómete Menorca (meaning ‘eat Menorca’), are developing a whole range of new experiences to connect visitors to local producers. Visitors can learn the secrets of Mahón cheese, discover the island’s craft beers or learn about the origins of Menorcan mayonnaise, amongst many other gastronomic experiences.
For more information on what to see and to in the Balearic Islands, please visit: www.illesbalears.travel
