Spanish holiday hotspot could potentially in order to curb tourist numbers, with a limit previously implemented on daily arrivals. As of May 2022, a ruling restricts daily cruise ship landings to three, including just one vessel capable of transporting over 5,000 passengers. The Committee on Tourism, Trade, Employment, Culture and Sport, along with the Balearic Government and relevant cruise lines, are now looking at renewing this agreement.
Calls have been made by Mayor Jaime Martinez for an all-out ban on large vessels, instead allowing only those calling Majorca home to dock at the island. If these plans come into fruition, it would mean only small to medium-sized cruise ships could moor there, in a huge blow for many British tourists. A backlash has sparked from local businesses, following suffering trade due to the notable decrease in passenger numbers - down 18% from previous years, according to reports in the Majorca Daily Bulletin last October.
Eight establishments, including popular bars and restaurants, appealed to the government: "Don't demonise cruise ship passengers, it is family tourism with a high spending power." With Palma currently welcoming over two million cruise passengers annually, there are also proposals for a tourist tax targeting these visitors. This could affect tourists upon their arrival at the port, along with additional levies potentially enforced as entrance fees to Palma, reports .
If the plans go ahead, cruise passengers could potentially be .