The Balearic Islands Promotes the Recovery of Properties in Areas Under Pressure from Tourism

The pressure of tourism in certain urban and coastal areas has led to a debate on the carrying capacity of tourist destinations and the need for rebalancing land use. To address this issue, the Balearic Government will launch a new funding call, supported by the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) fund, aimed at purchasing privately owned properties in municipalities linked to tourism.

Grants will be targeted towards local councils in areas considered overcrowded or overdeveloped, and will allow for the conversion of holiday accommodation into facilities for social or environmental use, such as public housing, educational centres, green spaces or health facilities. Renaturation projects and initiatives that contribute to tackling climate change are also part of the plan.

The funding call will include mechanisms to incentivise the definitive reduction of tourist bed spaces, a measure in line with the Balearic Islands' regulations on tourism sustainability and carrying capacity. The total funding amount expected is €15 million, and the actions will be carried out between 2025 and 2027, with a resolution, implementation and defence process in line with the ordinary grant framework.

This financial support continues on from a previous funding call financed with EU Next Generation funds, which was in high demand and left many projects without funding due to a lack of budget. With the backing of the ITS fund, the Directorate-General for Tourism seeks to establish stable instruments that support the transformation of the tourism model at the local level, and encourage more rational land use.