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?