Policies Supporting Sustainable Tourism Development in the Balearic Islands: The Ecotax

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tourism in the Balearics has experienced a terrific growth during the last 40 years. Since the early 60's, the history of tourism in the Balearics has been one of continuous growth in tourist arrivals, with some short decreases from time to time due to economic crisis in the main generating markets. However, growing concerns about sustainability aroused during the nineties. Being aware that ‘what worked in the past could no longer work in the future’ and that stronger measures to protect the environment should be implemented, the Government of the Balearic Islands decided to establish an ‘Ecotax’ as an important measure to achieve a more sustainable tourism model for the islands. The measure received a great deal of interest outside the Balearics, but, at the same time, became the most controversial measure ever taken in the history of tourism in the islands. This paper analyses the background of the ecotax, the objectives of the measure, its functioning and the criteria for the projects in which funds should be invested. Responses from the different stakeholders (tourists, residents and tourism trade) are also analysed. Results indicate a tourist and residents' favourable attitude towards the measure, but a strong opposition from part of the tourism industry.