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We have read carefully the statement released by the business association of tourist accommodation in Menorca regarding the recent mobilizations against tourist saturation and its effects. We believe it is worth clarifying some issues and complementing others.
As usual, there is no lack of the constant attempt to portray citizen protests as anti-tourism positions. It is good for everyone to be aware that this is a strategy to stigmatize claims that are well-founded and logical. It is used as an increasingly desperate attempt to avoid analysing the problems that are being raised.
We remind them of the exact words that were said on June 13 in front of the Island Council: “For those who do not understand it or want to misunderstand it, we are not asking for Menorca to stop having tourist activity, we are asking for limits to unlimited growth.”
You speak of sustainability but once again confuse the concept. Sustainability is the meeting point, and therefore the compatibility, between economic activity, social well-being and the natural environment. Menorca has provided practical examples of this philosophy and now it is time to do so again.
It is not so difficult to understand the moment we are living. While economic activity grows in absolute terms, social precariousness is increasing and natural resources are being depleted. This happens because of the mistaken logic of refusing to accept that an island has limits.
And now the data, which you say are missing in your statement. We provide some:
- In the last 15 years, the number of tourists visiting Menorca has grown by 80%.
- A tourist uses six times more water than a resident.
- In Menorca there are around 12,000 homes that accommodate tourists. This has something to do with the lack of affordable housing.
- When one third of the tourists came, per capita income was much higher.
Faced with this reality, what institutional response is being received?
- In 2026 the Island Council spends the equivalent of €20,000 per day of public funds on tourism promotion.
- For three years it has been possible to limit tourist vehicles and every month a new excuse appears not to do so.
- There is an attempt to modify the Territorial Plan to add 24,000 more tourist places.
- There is an attempt to remove the limit on swimming pools for tourist uses.
- There is also an intention to open tourist rentals on rural land.
You say that Menorca needs dialogue, balance and a vision for the future. We agree. But when practice systematically contradicts theory, people end up protesting in the streets.
What is at stake is fundamental for the population living in this territory. Ignoring the parameters that are becoming evident or trying to dismiss the voices that are being raised is a mistaken strategy. Overcrowding is not good for those who visit us nor for those who do business here. This island deserves a better future.
