Ibiza (Balearic Spain) is set to implement stricter regulations on the influx of cruise ships visiting the island, as part of efforts to address the issue of "tourist massification."
Despite the economic benefits generated by cruise passengers, the island's council plans to limit the number of simultaneous arrivals. Under the new policy, no more than two cruise ships will be permitted to dock at the same time.
This move follows a similar measure introduced by Mallorca Island, which became the first Spanish destination to regulate cruise ship arrivals in Palma, also capping the daily number at two.
Vicent Mari (Ibiza's president) emphasized the importance of working closely with the Port Authority to manage cruise traffic and prevent congestion in Ibiza Town. Mari noted that when more than two cruise ships arrive simultaneously, the resulting strain on port facilities and transport services leads to significant disruption.
As part of the new regulations, greater coordination with the Port Authority will be established to prevent the concurrent docking of more than two vessels at Ibiza’s port.
"We are not against the arrival of cruises but we ask that it occurs in a more orderly and planned way.
"This lack of planning affects both the residents, who suffer this saturation at the time of arrival and tourists who take a bad image of their stay," Mari added.