The Consell de Govern will approve this Friday a pioneering project to use, for the first time, funds from the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), or ecotax, for the purchase and demolition of disused or dilapidated tourist accommodation. The measure aims to reduce accommodation capacity, ease pressure on the territory, and move towards a more balanced and environmentally respectful tourism model, according to the Govern.

Jaume Bauzà

Jaume Bauzà (left), Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sports, at the press conference presenting the project. Photo: CAIB.

With an initial budget of 15 million euros, the programme will finance the acquisition of obsolete tourist properties for subsequent demolition, particularly in areas classified as mature or affected by tourism saturation. The initiative will allow these spaces to be transformed into green areas, public facilities, social housing or rewilding projects.

The Govern will implement the measure through public calls for applications aimed at municipalities and local entities, which will be able to submit proposals between October and November 2025. Once the projects are approved, local authorities will have a maximum period of 18 months to carry them out and an additional 3 months to justify the work.

Five strategic pillars

The project is part of the Govern’s strategy to position the Balearics as a benchmark in circular and sustainable tourism. The main objectives of the plan include:

  • Urban and coastal decongestion in saturated areas.

  • Reducing tourist capacity to ease pressure on natural resources and infrastructure.

  • Environmental regeneration of land affected by intensive tourism.

  • Creation of new spaces for social and community use.

  • Promotion of climate adaptation measures, such as green corridors and shaded areas.

Inspired by the European funds model

The initiative builds on previous calls financed by Next Generation EU funds, which saw high demand and left many projects unfunded. “In view of the success of the call financed with European funds, we decided to replicate the acquisition-demolition model using Sustainable Tourism Tax funds,” said the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Jaume Bauzà.

Bauzà stressed that this measure marks a new stage in the management of tourism resources, focusing on climate responsibility and improving residents’ quality of life: “This is not just about limiting tourist numbers, but about regenerating the territory and laying the foundations for a more innovative industry, less dependent on unlimited growth.”