The Govern de les Illes Balears and the Ayuntamiento de Palma have reached a new strategic agreement with the main cruise operators calling at the port of Palma, aimed at consolidating a sustainable, balanced tourism model aligned with the city’s capacity and territorial realities. The memorandum of understanding, valid from 2027 to 2031, establishes a stable governance framework for the medium and long-term management of cruise tourism in Palma.
Voluntarily signed by twenty cruise lines, the new agreement builds on previous commitments and introduces further measures focused on visitor flow management, environmental sustainability, transparency and shared responsibility. One of the key developments is the formal inclusion of Palma City Council as a signatory authority, enabling direct municipal involvement in the regulation and planning of cruise passenger flows, particularly within the historic city centre.
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The Balearic Government and Palma City Council strengthen sustainable cruise tourism through a new five-year agreement
Regarding flow management and seasonality, the agreement maintains the maximum limit of three cruise ships per day in the port of Palma, allowing only one large-capacity vessel. It also introduces a revised criterion for the high season months from June to September in 2027, 2028 and 2029, reducing the weekly daily passenger average and supporting a more even distribution of activity throughout the year.
The memorandum provides for the establishment of a joint governance committee, chaired by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sports, which will meet regularly to assess data, coordinate actions and adapt measures to evolving conditions. In parallel, the agreement promotes the geographic redistribution of cruise visitors across Mallorca through independent studies and the identification of alternative destinations.
Environmental sustainability is further strengthened through commitments related to energy transition, emissions reduction, responsible waste management, protection of posidonia seagrass meadows and efficient water use. The framework also enhances communication and transparency by introducing monthly reporting and annual progress reviews to ensure continuous monitoring.
Through this renewed partnership, the Balearic Government and Palma City Council reaffirm their commitment to a responsible cruise tourism model that prioritises coexistence, environmental protection and year-round value for the destination.