Surge in Tourists Overwhelms Palma Amid Cruise Industry Growth

Palma, Spain - Mallorca is experiencing an unprecedented influx of tourists as the travel season kicks off. During the Easter holiday, hotels along Playa de Palma reported an occupancy rate of 80%, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

The airport operator, Aena, recorded approximately 11,240 flight operations in the Balearic Islands during the Easter week, a remarkable 46% increase relative to 2024. On Easter Sunday alone, the region saw a record-breaking 1,100 flights in just one day.

Despite existing regulations, the number of cruise tourists continues to rise. In December 2021, the Balearic government collaborated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and various shipping companies to establish voluntary limits on cruise tourism in an effort to mitigate the impacts of mass tourism on the local environment and resources.

Prior to the pandemic, Palma often saw up to 20,000 cruise passengers on certain days, overwhelming the city and straining its natural resources, particularly its freshwater supply. Under the current agreement, which is set to last until 2026, a maximum of three cruise ships can dock in Palma each day, with only one being allowed to carry over 5,000 passengers. On average, 8,500 passengers are permitted to disembark daily, a figure that is frequently exceeded.

The regulations aim to enhance the ecological footprint of tourism, addressing issues such as the protection of marine ecosystems, pollution, and the usage of limited freshwater resources on the island. Despite these efforts, the cruise industry is showing strong signs of recovery. For instance, in April alone, the port authority anticipates that 61 cruise ships will be anchored in Palma, contributing to a total of 541 ship arrivals projected for the year, accommodating approximately 1.8 million passengers. This marks an increase of 47 vessels compared to 2024, while the record year of 2019 saw 592 ships.

Furthermore, across the Balearic Islands, a total of 870 cruise ship visits are planned for 2025, up from 770 in the previous year, expected to bring in 2.6 million passengers. This estimate does not include crew members or ferry passengers, leading many locals to consider the impact of the regulations as largely superficial. Industry insiders estimate that there may still be days with over 15,000 day tourists.

On Easter Monday, one of the world's largest cruise ships, the Allure of the Seas, docked in Palma, carrying 5,718 guests and 2,103 crew members. Starting in July 2025, the new FuelEU maritime regulation, part of the EU's climate package, will mandate a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050. However, this may not significantly reduce the number of visitors arriving in Palma.