Latest news with #IbizaIslandCouncil
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Spanish hotspot sets 20,000 daily car limit to curb overtourism
The vehicle restrictions impact non-registered vehicles on the popular island and are in place from June 1 until September 30, 2025 A favoured UK holiday destination has introduced a strict limit on vehicles, permitting only 20,000 cars and caravans per day. These vehicle limits target non-tourist vehicles on the renowned island of Ibiza, Spain, effective from June 1 to September 30, 2025. The Consell Insular d'Eivissa (Ibiza Island Council) has officially implemented the new measure. Officials say the step is in line with the aims of the Balearic Islands' Tourism Strategy Agency (AETIB) to tackle the issues of overtourism, according to the Express. The recently established cap on vehicles is intended to cut down traffic jams and advance environmental sustainability across the Balearic Islands. Vicent Marí, President of Ibiza Island Council, has given his full backing to the regulations, emphasising their role in enhancing the 'quality of life' for locals. He said: "We're introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment. "We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused." Figures indicate a dramatic rise in the volume of vehicles registered on the island over recent years. In 2002, merely 51,000 vehicles were registered in the popular holiday hotspot, but this figure has reportedly risen to 207,000 two decades later. Under new rules, 6,000 of the daily vehicle quota of 20,000 goes to rental cars on the island, leaving merely 4,000 permits for private vehicles accessing Ibiza via ferry. These vehicles need prior online authorisation, while caravans must show a booking at a sanctioned campsite, likely restricting spontaneous camping or roadside stays. However, motorcycles are currently not subject to the seasonal rules. Spanish news outlet El Confidencial reports that Mallorca is also considering a similar non-registered vehicle limit on its island, while Formentera adopted such a cap in 2019. These actions occur against a backdrop of increasing animosity towards visitors in Spain. Last month saw significant protests in various Spanish cities and the Canary Islands, with activists calling for visitor number limits. Following the vehicle cap in Ibiza, Miquel Camps, spokesperson for the environmental platform Gob Menorca, told El Confidencial: "In Menorca, over-occupation reaches 30%. We are worse off than Formentera when it regulated it, yet nothing is being done here. "...Menorca had been spared from mass tourism and its problems, but for some years now it has become chaotic."
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Another holiday hotspot cracks down on overtourism
From 1 June to 30 September, Ibiza is capping the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents at 20,168 to combat overtourism. Of the vehicle permits, 16,000 are for rental cars, and 4,168 are for private tourist vehicles arriving by ferry, which require a €1 (84p) daily permit obtained online. Caravans must show proof of campsite booking and are banned from wild camping or unauthorised parking. The Ibiza Island Council introduced the cap to promote sustainable tourism, aligning with Balearic government goals. Motorcycles are exempt. Mallorca has also introduced restrictions, with Soller implementing "residents only" traffic zones, prohibiting hire cars from driving through its historic centre.
