The famous island of Ibiza, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Spain, may soon cease to be known for crazy nightlife and wild beach clubs.
Some local politicians are launching a campaign to shut down outdoor parties and turn the island into a sustainable destination. The same idea may also soon be adopted by other islands from Spain’s Balearic Islands, which, in addition to Ibiza, include Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera.
According to local media outlets, the goal is to keep drunk tourists and unruly visitors away from the Islands. Some legislators argue that this kind of tourism causes more harm than good to local communities, which are directly affected by the noisy parties.
Instead of the usual party life, alternative leisure activities will soon be offered to tourists. Wellness retreats, bike tours, kayak trips, visits to organic farms, and other natural attractions may become the new norm.
The campaign started in January 2022, when the local government approved new laws that require all tourism businesses to implement a series of sustainability measures. The government is investing €55 million to implement these plans.
Under the new laws, the region intends to develop a tourism model that tackles issues such as waste, pollution, and climate change by promoting sharing economies, reuse, and recycling.
Since March, establishments in Ibiza that cater to tourists have been required to measure their water consumption. The installation of water-saving devices on washbasins, baths, and showers will soon be made compulsory. Businesses are being asked to consider using rainwater in their operations.
On other islands, the sale and distribution of various forms of single-use plastics have been banned. The use of paper menus must also be stopped in hotels and restaurants, and it is to be replaced by QR codes.
Tourism businesses in Ibiza will have to remove oil heating in favor of natural gas or electric energy. Also, they’ll be asked to control building temperatures, including in staff areas, such as kitchens.
Restaurants will be required to trace where their Balearic fish and seafood are coming from with the use of endangered species in kitchens being outlawed.
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