Cruise enthusiasts planning a winter getaway to Mallorca might need to reconsider their plans. Palma, the island’s capital and a key Mediterranean cruise destination, is witnessing a decline in cruise ship visits this season, according to tourism officials.
Known for its vibrant tourism industry, Mallorca has recently experienced a wave of protests opposing excessive tourism and its environmental impact. This unrest appears to be influencing cruise operators’ decisions, with several opting for alternative ports such as Valletta in Malta and Barcelona on the Spanish mainland.
Pedro Fiol, president of the Aviba travel agencies association in the Balearics, explained that cruise lines are showing “weariness” toward the ongoing anti-tourism demonstrations. “Many are choosing not to visit Palma or are significantly reducing the frequency of their calls,” he noted. This shift could affect local tourism patterns, especially since winter cruises from Palma offer affordable, all-inclusive trips popular among residents and those employed in the tourism sector.
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Fiol emphasized that these winter cruises, which typically start at around €600 per person, are a key offering for locals seeking seasonal holiday options. The move away from Palma in favor of destinations like Malta or Tunisia threatens to disrupt these travel opportunities.
In response, local authorities are considering stricter regulations to balance tourism with community wellbeing. The MES per Palma party is proposing limits on cruise arrivals, potentially capping the number at two ships per day and 6,000 passengers—roughly half of current volumes. This measure aims to ease tension between tourists and residents, ensuring sustainable tourism development moving forward.