Latest news with #Balearic
News18
a day ago
- Automotive
- News18
This Popular Beach Destination In Spain Is Limiting Tourist Vehicles This Summer
Between June 1 and September 30, a new regulation has been implemented on the island of Ibiza to limit the number of vehicles used by non-residents to a maximum of 20,000 per day, according to a report in El Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera. Of this daily cap, 16,000 spots are allocated for rental cars available on the island, while the remaining 4,000 are reserved for privately owned vehicles arriving via ferry, provided they obtain prior authorisation. Additionally, caravans must prove they have a confirmed booking at a designated camping area, as overnight parking in natural areas is strictly prohibited. Motorbikes, however, are not subject to these seasonal limitations. Vicent Marí, president of Ibiza's local government, explained that the initiative is designed to 'ensure the sustainability" of the island, which is home to approximately 1,50,000 residents but welcomes around 3.6 million tourists annually. This heavy influx also affects the neighbouring island of Formentera, which has already introduced its own vehicle restrictions. Official figures show a dramatic increase in traffic over the past 20 years, with the number of vehicles on Ibiza's roads surging from 51,000 in 2002 to 2,07,000 in 2022. Marí acknowledged that some sectors—including rental car companies and large businesses—had opposed the new vehicle limits. Nonetheless, he stressed the necessity of regulating what he described as 'unsustainable" tourist numbers. The broader Balearic archipelago, which includes Mallorca and Menorca along with Ibiza and Formentera, attracts roughly 19 million tourists each year. This makes the region a major contributor to Spain's tourism industry, which sees about 94 million visitors annually, ranking it second only to France as a global travel destination. Mallorca, another popular Balearic island, is also reportedly preparing to introduce similar vehicle control measures shortly.
NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
Popular Spanish Destination Limits Tourist Cars, Caravans
Spain's island of Ibiza -- a hugely popular Mediterranean destination -- from Sunday started limiting the number of incoming tourist cars and caravans because of the huge numbers of visitors it gets. From June 1 to September 30, the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents is now capped at 20,000, the local government explained to one of the island's newspapers, El Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera. Of those, 16,000 are rental cars available on the island, while the rest of the quota is for private cars making ferry crossings, as long as they get a prior authorisation to do so. Caravans also need to show they have a reservation at a camping site, and are not allowed to be parked anywhere in the countryside. Motorbikes are excluded from the seasonal restrictions. The head of Ibiza's government, Vicent Mari, told the newspaper that the change was to "guarantee the sustainability" of the island, which has 150,000 inhabitants but receives some 3.6 million tourists per year, along with the smaller Formentera island nearby. Official statistics show that the number of vehicles on the island's roads quadrupled over the past two decades, from 51,000 in 2002 to 207,000 in 2022. Mari said various interests operating in Ibiza -- including car-rental firms and big companies -- had resisted the limits, but argued that were necessary "to regulate and control unsustainable (tourist) flows". Formentera island already restricts vehicles, and another Balearic islands hotspot, Mallorca, is planning to do so next year. Altogether, the Balearic islands attract 19 million tourists per year, a sizable part of the 94 million who visit all of Spain, which is the second-biggest destination for visitors in the world, after France.
Local Spain
2 days ago
- Business
- Local Spain
Ibiza limits tourist cars, caravans
From June 1 to September 30, the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents is now capped at 20,000, the local government explained to one of the island's newspapers, El Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera. Of those, 16,000 are rental cars available on the island, while the rest of the quota is for private cars making ferry crossings, as long as they get a prior authorisation to do so. Caravans also need to show they have a reservation at a camping site, and are not allowed to be parked anywhere in the countryside. Motorbikes are excluded from the seasonal restrictions. The head of Ibiza's government, Vicent Mari, told the newspaper that the change was to "guarantee the sustainability" of the island, which has 150,000 inhabitants but receives some 3.6 million tourists per year, along with the smaller Formentera island nearby. Official statistics show that the number of vehicles on the island's roads quadrupled over the past two decades, from 51,000 in 2002 to 207,000 in 2022. Mari said various interests operating in Ibiza -- including car-rental firms and big companies -- had resisted the limits, but argued that were necessary "to regulate and control unsustainable (tourist) flows". Formentera island already restricts vehicles, and another Balearic islands hotspot, Mallorca, is planning to do so next year. Altogether, the Balearic islands attract 19 million tourists per year, a sizable part of the 94 million who visit all of Spain, which is the second-biggest destination for visitors in the world, after France.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Spain's Ibiza limits tourist cars, caravans due to overcrowding
From June 1 to Sept 30, the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents in Ibiza is now capped at 20,000. PHOTO: EPA-EFE MADRID – Spain's island of Ibiza – a hugely popular Mediterranean destination – from June 1 started limiting the number of incoming tourist cars and caravans because of the huge numbers of visitors it gets. From June 1 to Sept 30, the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents is now capped at 20,000, the local government explained to one of the island's newspapers, El Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera. Of those, 16,000 are rental cars available on the island, while the rest of the quota is for private cars making ferry crossings, as long as they get a prior authorisation to do so. Caravans also need to show they have a reservation at a camping site, and are not allowed to be parked anywhere in the countryside. Motorbikes are excluded from the seasonal restrictions. The head of Ibiza's government, Mr Vicent Mari, told the newspaper that the change was to 'guarantee the sustainability' of the island, which has 150,000 inhabitants but receives some 3.6 million tourists per year, along with the smaller Formentera island nearby. Official statistics show that the number of vehicles on the island's roads quadrupled over the past two decades, from 51,000 in 2002 to 207,000 in 2022. Mr Mari said various interests operating in Ibiza, including car-rental firms and big companies, resisted the limits, but argued that were necessary 'to regulate and control unsustainable (tourist) flows'. Formentera island already restricts vehicles, and another Balearic islands hotspot, Mallorca, is planning to do so in 2026. Altogether, the Balearic islands attract 19 million tourists per year, a sizable part of the 94 million who visit all of Spain, which is the second-biggest destination for visitors in the world, after France. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Two Spanish islands where pub crawls are banned and what it means for Brits
Despite their party-mad reputation, two popular Spanish islands in the Balearics actually passed strict laws banning pub crawls and other booze-related activities back in 2020 UK holidaymakers have been warned of strict drinking laws still in place in two popular party islands. In a brutal blow to British stag and hen parties, the Balearic hotspots of Majorca and Ibiza brought in strict regulation back in 2020 - prohibiting pub crawls and 'happy hour' promotions in certain areas. Five years later and many Brits still don't know about the law, which was brought in by regional government. Luckily, the pub crawl crackdown only applies to those staying in Playa de Palma and Magaluf in Majorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza. So, if you're looking for a booze-filled week where you can quite literally chase the night - it might be worth booking accommodation in other regions. Matt Mavir, managing director at Last Night of Freedom, the UK's leading stag and hen organiser, warns tourists can be slapped with fines exceeding €600 (around £502) for antisocial behaviour like 'street drinking or nudity' - while those creating 'excessive noise or vandalism' may be charged up to €3,000 (£2,513). In a statement sent to the Mirror, the expert urged Brits to 'read up on local laws' before travelling, and avoid wearing any offensive costumes on your Stag/Hen Do. Holidaymakers have also been advised to be wary of their volume when in residential areas, make sure they avoid drinking in public areas (including the beach) and reduce their group size to attract less attention. "These destinations have to strike the right balance - if Brits feel they're being targeted or treated unfairly, they are likely to just go elsewhere," added Matt. "It's a lazy assumption that those heading abroad for a stag or hen do are causing trouble - these are normal people just letting their hair down. But they must be respectful and mindful to make sure they don't fall foul of the recently changed rules." As previously reported, both party islands have also enacted strict rules for all-inclusive holidaymakers - capping their alcoholic drinks at six per day. The ban, which doesn't impact Menorca at all, covers the following regions: Playa de Palma, Majorca S'Arenal (El Arenal), Majorca Magaluf, Majorca West End of San Antonio, Ibiza The strict rules, which will last for at least two more years, mean Brits are only allowed three alcoholic beverages during lunch and a further three with their evening meal. Again, these places won't be advertising 'happy hour' or encourage alcohol consumption through previously-popular initiatives like open bars. If you're unfazed by the rules, you can fly to Majorca or Ibiza from most major UK airports, including Birmingham, Glasgow, London, and Manchester. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in June for as little as £28*.
