The Council of Mayors has agreed to draft a Strategic Island Document to define the saturated and redevelopment tourist areas, colloquially known as mature zones, based on Article 77 of Law 8/2012 of July 19, on tourism in the Balearic Islands. This study will allow the identification and justification—with objective data—of the saturation or maturity level of certain areas. This, in turn, will facilitate access to various public investment funds aimed at transformation and modernisation, and will streamline the procedures for private entities wishing to improve the area’s quality through space transformation or resource efficiency improvements.
The goals of this document include creating a common plan for all these areas to improve coexistence and habitability for residents, the rehabilitation of public spaces and infrastructure, the promotion of lower-impact social and environmental activities, the reduction of tourism density, and economic diversification.
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Ibiza to Define ‘Mature’ Tourist Areas to Accelerate Their Modernisation
“Identifying these zones is another necessary step for drafting the PIAT (Territorial Plan for Tourism Intervention) and a key opportunity to improve areas that have fallen behind in terms of tourism offerings and that directly affect residents’ quality of life. This Strategic Document will allow us to establish an action plan, including urgent measures, to regenerate these zones.”
Problem of Informal Settlements
Today’s meeting also addressed the issue of the proliferation of informal settlements and substandard housing, many of which are located in forest areas and pose a significant fire hazard and health risks due to unsanitary conditions.
In this regard, the Council of Mayors will request an urgent meeting with the Government Delegate in the Balearic Islands, Alfonso Rodríguez, to call for greater involvement from the State, especially from the State Security Forces and Immigration authorities.
“We cannot normalise this way of living, which is also a real danger to the environment and to the lives of those barely surviving in these substandard dwellings. We must all work together: the municipalities and the Island Council are united on this issue, but the State has remained completely absent,” lamented the president.
Request for the Use of Surplus Funds
The Council of Mayors has also agreed to call on the Ministry of Finance to allow local administrations to access their financial surpluses to execute housing policies or other financially sustainable investments.
“These are funds that belong to every resident of our towns, and it makes no sense for them to be held in a bank, unable to be used to improve our towns, villages, and cities or to meet urgent needs such as housing,” concluded Vicent Marí.
Retaining State Public Workers
The Council of Mayors has agreed to request that the State implement retention measures for public employees, including the insularity allowance. Specifically, President Vicent Marí referred to historical measures used in the Basque Country, “where a minimum stay gives public workers preference in choosing their next assignment.”
Standardisation of Film Permit Criteria
In addition, the Ibiza Council and municipalities have agreed to appoint a dedicated person in each local authority to monitor cases involving the Ibiza Film Commission, which offers opportunities to portray a different image of Ibiza beyond the usual sun, beach, and leisure clichés.
“This is a request from several national and international producers to streamline the permitting process and encourage activity during the off-season,” explained the president.
Finally, the Council of Mayors has agreed to request that sports events declared of island tourist interest also receive regional tourist interest designation. This would help accelerate organisational procedures with other authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic.