In a significant move aimed at managing tourism, Majorca is planning to impose a cap on the number of visitors during the peak summer season. The Spanish island, particularly the city of Palma, will decrease the number of cruise ship berths available from 8,500 to 7,500 daily, a measure expected to take effect over the period from 2027 to 2029. This decision is a response to the growing concerns about overtourism and its impacts on the local environment and community.

The reduction means that fewer cruise passengers will be able to disembark in Palma, especially during the busy months from June to September. While the cruise ship berths will revert to the normal capacity of 8,500 outside the summer season, this move is expected to significantly lower the influx of tourists during a critical time for local businesses that rely on summer tourism. In 2022, more than 19 million British tourists visited Spain, with Mallorca being a prominent choice among the British holidaymakers.

This caps a growing trend of tourist destinations worldwide reconsidering their capacity to preserve local culture and the environment while still catering to visitors. As Mallorca prepares for this adjustment, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by popular tourist spots in balancing economic benefits and sustainability, pointing towards a future where tourism management becomes a crucial aspect of local governance.