8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
1/13
Sustainable Tourism Consulting-
Developing Mallorca
ENTRY UNIVERSITY- FACULTY OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
Module Title: Sustainable Tourism
Module Code: 318GED
Module Leader: Marcella Daye
Carmen Valeria Culcea
SID: 2818711
Hand in date: 30th January 2012
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
2/13
2 | P a g e
Table of Contents
Executive Summary.p. 3
Introductory Paragraph ..p. 4
Destination Briefingp. 5
Identifying Sustainable Indicators...p. 5- 7
Long- term sustainable Strategies.p. 7- 8
Challenges and Opportunities of
Sustainable Management.p. 8
Conclusion and Recommendations..p. 9
List of Appendix..p. 10- 11
References..p. 12
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
3/13
3 | P a g e
Executive Summary
According to Weaver (2006) for the past half- century the newly formed concept of
sustainable tourism is continuing to expand as the result of both internal and external progress ofthe tourism industry and the model is all about minimizing negative impacts and maximizing the
positive ones for tourists and local communities alike. Thus this assessment is thoroughly examining
the destination of Mallorca and the sustainable initiatives taken towards establishing regulations that
encourage a more sustainable approach of the tourism activities undertaken by both private and
public organizations. In order to do so there will be conducted an extensive research on the
destinations past tourism activities and on the challenges and opportunities which have arisen and
will continue to arise. At the end, the coursework explores the various options that the destination has
in order to further strengthen the system and to make sure that all sustainable policies chosen and
implemented will be effective and efficient.
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
4/13
4 | P a g e
Introductory Paragraph
Nowadays travel and tourism represent one of the worlds most importantsector, as
through both direct and indirect factors it can bring a series of benefits to the destination, especiallyfrom an economical point of view. As a result, tourism in many small islands (e.g. around the
Caribbean Sea, around the Asian- Pacific rim and the Mediterranean Sea) has become the main
source of income, as a matter of fact some are so dependent on this sector, that any type of
influences from terrorism to natural disasters- can impact majorly upon its performances
affecting the destinations structure (Briguglio et al., 1996). Therefore this report will focus on the
Tourism industry from the Spanish island, Mallorca, which as any other Mediterranean destination
is very fragile. Hence the assessment will focus on the degree of involvement in creating sustainable
approaches towards tourism and to do so the following tasks are discussed:
1. Identify and highlight what type of sustainable policies and strategic actions are being putinto practice so that tourism is being conducted in accordance with the best principles of
practice for the destination;
2. Explore the range of both internal and external challenges and opportunities that the regionis confronted with, in the attempt of managing their resources form a sustainable point of
view.
3. Based on the first two tasks offer practical suggestions towards further developing a moresustainable tourism in Mallorca.
Last but not least in order to achieve all of these, the report will focus upon the three
dimensions of sustainability and there will also be utilized a series of indicators for change which
can be continuously monitored and measured, so that one can make sustainable decisions in whatconcerns the areas management of the tourism activities undertaken (Blackstock et al., 2006).
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
5/13
5 | P a g e
1. Destination BriefingThe Balearic island, Mallorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea started becoming a very
popular destination beginning with the early 60s, especially for Europeans due to the sunny
weather, its coastlines (e.g. the virgin beaches and the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains) and other
attractions such as the local culture alongside other leisure activities gulf courses, casinos, etc(Mallorca Online, 2011). Due to airline deregulations and more affordable holiday packages there
has been noticed a great rise on the influx of mass- tourists in recent years, which represents a
desirable context, as this sector accounts for some 84% of the regions GNP (Molz, 2004). However,
even though the sector can bring many positive effects to the destination, rapid developments of
the industry can lead, as mentioned above, to many negative impacts (e.g. exploitation of natural
resources), all of which will be investigated in the following paragraphs, in order to identify
potential sustainable approaches (Molz, 2004).
Figure 1, Mallorca Coastline (Conde Nast Traveller Internationally, 2010)
2. Identifying sustainable indicatorsTo begin with it is imperative to comprehend that sustainable tourism is not an easily
attained objective as there are many elements against it such as the fact that tourists may have
different needs than those of locals and they may also compete with the community for the
destinations resources (social- cultural impacts) (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2009). Hence
sustainable tourism is highly dependent on an adaptive management approach so that effective
evaluations, learnings and action changes can be made through the utilization ofindicators
(Blackstock et al., 2006). According to a lecture delivered as part of module 318GED, sustainable
indicators represent the youngest and most debated tools of sustainability and can be internal(e.g.
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
6/13
6 | P a g e
number of tourists or % of tourism employees) and external(e.g. water pollution or greenhouse
emissions) (Daye, 2011). When taking a closer look at the case study there has been put quite a lot
of effort in assessing Mallorcas sustainability. However this evaluation has been mainly conducted
on the Municipality of Calvia, which is the most important region from the Balearic Islands and was
fulfilled by UNEP (Local Agenda 21) in association with the local authorities. Based on this,
according to WTO (2004) there have been established a set of core indicators, which are as follows:
A) Site stress and protection; E) Stability and Seasonality (useintensity);
B) Socio- cultural impacts of Tourism; F) Local satisfaction;C) Employment and economic
welfare;
G) Consumer satisfaction;
D)
Management of resources andenvironment (e.g. water, energy
and waste system);
H)
Development control.
Hence, taking as an example the municipality of Calvia, it was noticed that after 20 years of
majorly and uncontrolled developments, the tourism industry was reaching its saturation point due
to the environmental damages and outdated accommodation facilities, forcing the local councilors
to approach a more sustainable development model (UNEP, 2003). Listed below, based on the basic
indicators are established above are some of the crucial issues which need to be dealt with.
A) Mallorca is highly dependent on European mass tourists receiving in 2006 somewherearound 9.6 million of which 62.6% were UK and German visitors (see appendix 1)
(Johannes Luberichs, 2009). Additionally, more than a third of tourist beds are comprised
in Palma and Calvia (see appendix 2) and in the later there are about 120,000 tourist beds
(e.g. 50% hotels and 50% villas and apartments) (UNEP, 2003).
B) There has been a great lose of cultural values because of the Tourism Industry, especially incertain areas which have changed their customs so that they would fit the psychocentrics
ones (e.g. UK citizens) (Johannes Luberichs, 2009). Also some very important but
underdeveloped historical and cultural sites were heavily affected by the large numbers of
visitors (UNEP, 2003).
C) For example in Calvia alone 95% of jobs are directly or indirectly linked to Tourism and theTourism income was approximately 860 million Euros (UNEP, 2003). However there were
negative impacts as well due to a mono- economy which had a seasonal pattern and poor
business enterprise, leading therefore o work pressures (UNEP, 2003).
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
7/13
7 | P a g e
D) First of all because of the exceeding of the carrying capacity, there have been seriousimpacts on the costal and marine ecosystems (UNEP, 2003). None the less there are
noticeable water shortages, excess petrol consumption plus urban waste (UNEP, 2003).
E) In Mallorca in 2005, during the high season (July- August) some 55% of visitors arrived, inmid season there were 28% of tourists and in the low season only 16% of the total number
of visitors came to Mallorca (Johannes Luberichs, 2009).
F) Due to the economical conditions, the seasonality nature of jobs, loss of some cultural valuesand the fall of the populations living standards, it becomes quite obvious that most of the
Mallorcas citizens are not totally satisfied with the sectors outcomes (UNEP, 2003).
G) The lack of proper transportation and the fact that the destination has reached at one pointa saturation level, it was quite normal for consumers in general to become less and less
satisfied and attracted to the destination, thus for the time being Mallorca will be still highlyreliant on the allocentric typology.
H) The urban system is overdeveloped and there are numerous possibilities of developmentthrough the destructions of natural and rural sites, even though there are building
restrictions in planning regulations (UNEP, 2003).
3. Long- term sustainable strategiesBased again on Calvias example, after evaluating the situation and noticing that tourism
activities have dropped 20% after the 80s, in the late 90s, according to the study conducted by
UNEP (2003) the local councilors in collaboration with the Balearic Autonomous Community have
set some new objectives so that the destination will approach a more sustainable model, such as:
New general town planning and eco- responsibility regulations were set in regards toconstructions (e.g. reduction of more than 40,000 accommodation units and the
declassification of 1,660 hectares of land which was allocated for constructions).
Improvements of residents integration, co- existence and of the life quality (e.g.volunteering programs).
To preserve the natural environment and the marine heritage by imposing in 2002 in theBalearic Islands the 1 euro per night eco- tax (enhancing natural water resources,
protecting forests and soils, replacing artificial beach regeneration by adopting a more
natural method, developing marine reserves, etc).
There were also plans for an environmental airport fee, which was unsuccessful due tostrong resistances (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2009).
Restoration of cultural, historical and natural sites.
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
8/13
8 | P a g e
To increase expenditure per visitor by balancing the tourist seasons (e.g. The EuropeanWinter in Calvia).
To improve public transport in the area; To reduce water and energy consumption plus to focus on means of reducing and re- using
waste;
Too boost and enhance the financial system (e.g. to promote local agriculture). To focus on municipal management and move towards better planned investments in both
public/ private sectors (e.g. introduction of EMS with the eco- labeling and ISO standards in
tourism facilities such as hotels).
Therefore the local system is now based on six key thematic areas (population, social
integration and quality of life; local ecological, historical and cultural heritage; economic and
tourism; town planning and key environmental sector) and 27 Filds of reference and 775 indicators
(UNEP, 2003).
4. Challenges and Opportunities of Sustainable ManagementTo begin with it is imperative not to forget that planning and managing sustainability is a
continuously process and new concepts and models are always introduced or modified to suit the
destinations requirements. Therefore there will always arise challenges that need to be controlled
and opportunities that must be explored in order to conduct tourism in accordance to the best
practice of principles. In Mallorcas case some of the most notable are as follows:
CHALLENGES OPORTUNITIES
When analyzing the LA21 one can noticethat most of the initiatives which were
established and later enacted concern
mainly the municipality of Calvia.
The negotiation and implementationprocess can be a lengthy one (first
initiatives taken in the 80s
implementation in the 90s).
Maintaining and effectively enforcing thenew policies (e.g. the 2002 eco- tax
failure).
Economical issues still predominate incomparison to the environmental and
social (Ioannides and Holcomb, 2003).
Calvia represents a good starting pointand a suitable model to be followed and
further developed for the entire island.
Attracting other tourist typologies apartfrom the mass ones, such as: tourist
seeking cultural values and
environmentally aware;
Foster future collaborations with othermajor environmental institutions (e.g.
NGO, EEA, GEF).
It can be a good way to furtherencourage local participation.
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
9/13
9 | P a g e
Conclusion and Recommendations
To conclude, the first most notable fact is that the actions of a single but popular
municipality to change their approach towards tourism and move to a more sustainable model canallow innovative ideas to develop and encourage the destination as a whole to revise their
development strategies (UNEP, 2003). Therefore bearing in mind the relatively fragile economies,
ecological vulnerabilities and social- cultural characteristics of islands, it is essential to comprehend
that the implementation of any tourism development model can pose difficulties (Briguglio et al,
1996). That is why, even though tourism represents an important part of Mallorcas economical
structure, the local councilors should focus more on diversifying it and creating alternative
employment opportunities (e.g. moving back to the agricultural sector) so that the region can reach
more stable and sustainable economical model (Ioannides and Holcomb, 2003). Non- the less,
Mallorca has always been regarded as a sunny paradise of refuge and tranquility, especially due to
its lush and authentic nature and cultural values; this makes it possible for alternative and moresustainable forms of tourism, such as: nature based tourism, agrotourism, extreme sports tourism
or even eco- tourism (Briguglio et al, 1996). Hence if further actions are not undertaken (e.g. visitor
flow regulations or integration of locals), not just for Calvia, but for the entire destination,
overcrowding can lead again to environmental degradation and possibly another tourism crisis like
the one from the 80s (Molz, 2004). Overall Mallorca represents a good example to follow as due to
it one can better understand the various implications and the importance of implementing
sustainable policies, especially for small islands.
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
10/13
10 | P a g e
List of Appendix
Appendix 1
NATIONALITY TOTAL ARRIVALS PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
German 3,378,986 38,4%British 2,230,045 25,3%
Spanish 1,517,507 17,2%
French 238,071 2,7%
Swiss 159,894 1.8%
Irish 136,262 1,5%
Italian 134,616 1,5%
Swedish 129,004 1,5%
Austrian 125,859 1,4%
Dutch 119,349 1,4%
Danish 95,908 1,1%
Belgian 94,343 1,1%
Norwegian 92,767 1,1%
Portuguese 82,938 0,9%
Luxemburg 27,330 0,3%
Finish 18,544 0,2%
Other European 57,937 0,7%
Russian 17,945 0,2%
Other 80,858 0,9%
Not differentiated foreignerarrivals by sea
63,995 0,7%
TOTAL 8,802,155 100%
Figure 1. Types of nationalities which arrived in Mallorca in 2005 (Johannes Luberichs, 2009)
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
11/13
11 | P a g e
Appendix 2
MUNICIPALITY BEDS PER
METRR COAST
DENSITY PER
METER COAST
COAST LENGTH
PER BED IN
METR
MIN. COAST LENGTH
PER PERSON PER
METER
Sant Llorenc desCardassar
3.41 4.14 0.2 0.2
Muro 2.89 3.83 0.4 0.3
Son Servera 1.18 2.15 0.7 0.5
Santa Margalida 1.08 1.81 0.5 0.6
Calvia 1.03 1.69 0.8 0.6
Palma 0.99 9.32 0.8 0.1
Alcudia 0.66 1.01 1.2 1.0
Capdepera 0.58 0.86 1.5 1.7
Manacor 0.47 1.58 1.7 0.6
Ses Salines 0.34 0.69 2.3 1.4
Santanyi 0.33 0.52 2.8 1.9
Felanitx 0.31 1.11 3.1 0.9
Llucmajor 0.25 0.89 4.0 1.1
Soller 0.19 1.05 5.3 1.0
Fornalutx 0.13 1.01 7.8 1.0
Pollenca 0.1 0.31 9.2 3.3
Andratx 0.08 0.31 10.9 3.3
Deia 0.05 0.13 19.3 7.9
Arta 0.03 0.26 31.2 3.9Banyalbufar 0.02 0.08 41.3 12.2
Campos 0.02 0.78 18.2 1.3
Estellencs 0.02 0.07 56.2 14.2
Valldemossa 0.02 0.25 66.2 4.0
Escora 0.00 0.01 - 105.1
Figure 2. Tourism Density Indexes at the Coast of Mallorca in 2005 (Johannes Luberichs, 2009)
8/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
12/13
12 | P a g e
References
1. Blackstock K. et al. (2006), A Framework for developing Indicators of Sustainable Tourism(Online). Available from
. [12th January
2012].
2. Briguglio et al. (1996), Sustainable Tourism in Islands and Small States: Issues and Policies.London: Pinter, ch. 5.
3. Daye M. (2011), Sustainable Tourism. Lecturer delivered for module 318GED 5th ofDecember 2012 at Coventry University.
4. Ioannides D. and Holcomb B. (2003), Misguided policy initiatives in small- islandsdestinations: why do up- market policies fail? (Online). Available from [15th January 2012].
5. Luberichs J. (2009) The spatial profile of German Low cost carrier Passenger in Mallorca(Online). Available from
[17th January 2012]
6. Molz V. (2004), Consequences of Mass Tourism in Mallorca- Is quality tourism asustainable alternative to solve the environmental problem in Calvia, Mallorca? (Online).
Available from [10th January
2012].
7. The Convention on Biological Diversity (2009) A good practice guide: Tourism for natureand development (Online). Available from [11th January 2012].
8. UNEP (2003), Tourism and Local Agenda 21- The Role of Local Authorities in SustainableTourism (Online). Available from [8th January 2012].
9. World Tourism Organization (2004) Indicators of Sustainable Development for TourismDestinations, A guidebook. Madrid, Spain: World Tourism Organization.
http://moodle.coventry.ac.uk/bes/mod/resource/view.php?id=43881http://moodle.coventry.ac.uk/bes/mod/resource/view.php?id=43881http://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/holcomb/misguided%20policy%20initiatives%20in%20small%20island%20states.pdfhttp://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/holcomb/misguided%20policy%20initiatives%20in%20small%20island%20states.pdfhttp://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/holcomb/misguided%20policy%20initiatives%20in%20small%20island%20states.pdfhttp://www.unigis.nl/downloads/msc/Johannes%20Luberichs.pdfhttp://www.unigis.nl/downloads/msc/Johannes%20Luberichs.pdfhttp://www.unigis.nl/downloads/msc/Johannes%20Luberichs.pdfhttp://www.muenster.org/kantgym/download/molz04.pdfhttp://www.muenster.org/kantgym/download/molz04.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/3207-TourismAgenda.pdfhttp://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/3207-TourismAgenda.pdfhttp://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/3207-TourismAgenda.pdfhttp://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/3207-TourismAgenda.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-good-practice-guide-tourism-booklet-web-en.pdfhttp://www.muenster.org/kantgym/download/molz04.pdfhttp://www.unigis.nl/downloads/msc/Johannes%20Luberichs.pdfhttp://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/holcomb/misguided%20policy%20initiatives%20in%20small%20island%20states.pdfhttp://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/holcomb/misguided%20policy%20initiatives%20in%20small%20island%20states.pdfhttp://moodle.coventry.ac.uk/bes/mod/resource/view.php?id=438818/2/2019 Mallorca Report CW 2
13/13
13 | P a g e
Top Related