Palma to reduce cruise passenger volume in port to tackle overtourism 

Palma has laid out plans to reduce the number of cruise ship passengers in port during peak summer months in a bid to manage overtourism.

In a new agreement signed by representatives from the Balearic Islands government, Palma City Council, 20 cruise lines and Clia, the daily average number of berths will decrease from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September from 2027 to 2029.

The daily average number of berths will remain at 8,500 for the rest of the year.

The agreement maintains a cap of three ships per day in the Mallorca port, with only one permitted to carry more than 5,000 passengers.

Environmental measures such as ships not taking drinking water from the port in the event of a drought and priorities being put in place for zero-emission or transitional fuel vessels were also introduced.

The summer limitations will end in 2029, but the overall agreement was for a five-year term.

Palma is the largest of the five ports managed by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.

A Clia spokesperson said: “Cruise tourism is planned and managed tourism. Its advance planning creates unique opportunities to work in collaboration with ports, destination authorities and local communities to manage visitor flows and maximise the social and economic benefits of cruise tourism.

“In most European destinations, cruise guests represent a small share of overall visitors – often less than 4% of total tourism volumes – yet they make a meaningful contribution to local economies through shore excursions, retail, hospitality.

“Cruise lines work closely with ports, municipalities and tourism boards to help spread demand, reduce seasonality and support sustainable destination management.

“This collaborative approach is reflected in agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding in Palma, where cruise lines, the Government of the Balearic Islands and Palma City Council work together to manage cruise calls, smooth peaks of activity and support the sustainable development of tourism in the destination.

“With calls scheduled up to three years in advance, the cruise sector can actively support long-term planning, infrastructure readiness and community-led tourism strategies.”