The president of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Margalida Prohens, has stated that it is time to lay the foundations for a “change of direction” and the transformation of the tourist and economic model of the Balearic Islands. Prohens clarified that she recognizes the contribution of the tourism sector to society, its dynamism, and progress, but does not consider it incompatible with the “real acknowledgment” that growth in volume can no longer continue as it is not translating into well-being. “This is not about finding culprits or criminalizing anyone,” she noted in reference to the tourism sector, “but we need to set the foundations for a change of direction for the Balearic Islands. We must not deceive ourselves, it will be complex and not easy, but we owe it to society, we must make this effort,” she emphasized.

From left to right: Llorenç Galmés, president of the Consell de Mallorca; Margalida Prohens, president of the Government of the Balearic Islands; and Jaime Martínez, mayor of Palma. Photo: GOIB.

The cornerstone of this model change comes with the Social and Political Pact for the Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability of the Balearic Islands, promoted by the Balearic president herself, and which constitutes a “dialogue space” to define a roadmap “together” with all the sectors involved, from tourism companies to political parties, environmental organizations, public administrations, and representatives of civil society. Prohens indicated that it is time to make “brave decisions” and that “only through responsibility will we move forward. Without prejudices, without ideological approaches, or the defense of particular interests. With seriousness, rigor, and commitment to the sustainability and well-being of the Balearic Islands.”

Image of the constitution of the Table for the Social and Political Pact for the Economic Sustainability of the Balearic Islands, led by Margalida Prohens. Photo: GOIB.

More than 140 entities respond to Prohens’ call

More than 140 entities from the islands have responded to this call to responsibility, attending the constitution of the Table for the Social and Political Pact for the Economic Sustainability of the Balearic Islands. Among the numerous attendees were representatives from unions, employers’ associations, economic sectors, economic circles, chambers of commerce, professional associations and collectives, the Impulsa Foundation, the University of the Balearic Islands, various educational and training institutions, and research centers. Civil society entities, neighborhood representatives, environmental organization representatives, consular representatives, different administrations, the four island councils, municipalities, and the Spanish Government Delegation, as well as different political forces, also participated.

More than 140 entities from the islands present at the presentation of the Pact for tourism sustainability of the islands. Photo: GOIB.

An impressive turnout that Prohens thanked, demonstrating that “we are all aware” that being a fragile and limited territory requires us to talk about management, sustainability, and limits.

Toni Riera, coordinator of the Pact

Toni Riera, professor of Applied Economics and director of the Impulsa Foundation, has been chosen as the technical coordinator of the Pact. Prohens highlighted his independent profile, describing him as a respected professional with years of experience analyzing the economic model and future challenges of the islands. She also thanked him for his involvement and for taking a brave and generous step. “I sincerely believe that he is the ideal person to coordinate this social and political pact for the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the Balearic Islands,” she affirmed.

Roadmap

The president announced that in the coming weeks, participants will be informed about the steps to be taken to start working, with the aim of obtaining a consensus document in the coming months. “We are not coming with a closed document subject to minor changes, but we want to start from scratch,” she assured.

Initially, smaller working groups will be organized, coordinated by a technical committee that will channel the reflections, debates, and proposals that arise. This committee will also be responsible for drafting a final document that will become a social and political pact for the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the Balearic Islands.

Among the announced measures is the launch of an opinion study, a macro survey on tourism congestion, to understand the opinion of the residents of the Balearic Islands on this issue. There will also be monitoring of visitor flows in tourist areas, capacity studies of natural spaces, and a mobility study using road data from the councils and the collection of data on illegal tourist offers.