Tourism has ruined Majorca
By
Hugh
Archdale
Intro to Majorca
• It is the largest island in the Balearics.
• Palma, the capital, is the largest city in the
islands.
• The population is approximately 700,000.
• The island is 24km from Spain.
• 40 years ago farming was the dominant
source of income for the island.
• Majorca has 11 million tourists a year.
The growth of tourism
• At the end of the 1950’s Europe had a
greater affluence.
• Majorca was a quickly developing tourism
infrastructure, like hotels and bars.
• By mid 1960’s, package holidays had 1
million people a year going to Majorca.
• 60% of GDP in Majorca is from tourism.
• British and Germans count for 50% of the
tourists
Environmental impact
• In the last 40 years Majorca has become urbanised right
along the coast, hotels as far as you can see.
• Because of so many visitors the beaches are loosing
sand and this will cost the government a lot to replenish
the beaches.
• Too many tourists = too much pollution, there is litter,
noise and cars every where increasing the amount of
pollution. (Majorca has the highest rate of cars/ person in
Europe).
• Last year, because of the impact of tourists, water had to
be brought in from Spain.
• TOURISTS DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE
ENVIRONMENT.
Economic impact
• Good
Bad
• Tourism counts for 85% of Majorca's GNP.
• But the island could become too over
dependant.
• The island was the poorest Spanish
island. But now is the richest
• But comes at a price!!
• Tourism ruined farming, farming counts for
2% of GNP, (tourism 85%).
Cultural impact
The red part is where tourists have occupied
the area, the bit left blank is the part were
there is still farms and local people,
(untouched by tourists).
Is sustainable Tourism possible?
•
•
•
•
Sustainable = the development of tourism that meets the needs of
the existing generation and future generations.
In Calvia the council has a plan called ‘local agenda 21’
This has 3 aims:
1. To plan for future growth.
2. To improve existing urban areas.
3. To diversify the economy.
The council are also: 1. Encouraging off peak holidays.
2. Ecotax on tourists.
3. Agro tourism – B+B on a farm.
Sustainable Tourism?