admin About 800,000 tourists land in Binibeca Vell every year. The level of influx is quite impossible for the 200 odd residents to handle well, as it has been suffering from overtourism. Binibeca Vell is a beautiful little place on the island of Menorca. The people around call it “Spanish Mykonos.” It also has narrow alleys and turquoise waters, which invite many tourists to the Balearic Isles of Spain.
Tourist Behavior Irritates Residents
The crush of visitors takes toll on the residents of the village. “That is a lot,” said Oscar Monge, president of a group of associations of neighbourhoods. Monge, like many locals, desires a calmer environment. The overwhelming crowds and intrusive behavior of some visitors, who climb walls and enter homes uninvited, add to residents’ frustration.
Restrictions and Vote Around the Corner
In light of this, the residents recently took a decision of restricting visitors. Now, tourists are allowed to visit only between 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. On August 15, they would vote again on whether to close it completely to visitors. This proposal for a total ban has created a huge controversy among the locals. Some people fear that a complete closure might affect the business in the area. Others are still searching for a more flexible solution.
Larger Overtourism Issues in the Balearic Islands
It’s not just Binibeca Vell. Last year 17.8 million visitors came to the Balearic Islands. 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, Palma’s mayor plans to ban new tourist accommodations and limit cruise ship arrivals. Ibiza aims to tighten rules for party boats.
At the end of May, millions of residents from Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza protested against overtourism. They rallied under the slogan: “Our islands are not for sale.” Concerns included noise, traffic congestion, pollution, and rising house prices due to apartments converting into tourist accommodations.
To address these issues, the regional government formed a committee of experts. This committee will develop a “roadmap” for sustainable tourism. While finding a balance is challenging, tourism accounts for 45 percent of the region’s income. Both lawmakers and locals agree that some restrictions are necessary to preserve residents’ quality of life.
As Binibeca Vell residents prepare to vote on tourism’s future in their village, the outcome will likely influence broader discussions on managing overtourism across the Balearic Islands.
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