Binibeca Vell opens doors wider: Minorca's tourism paradox persists
Residents of the Spanish island of Menorca, struggling with excessive tourism, voted in a referendum on banning tourists from entering the village of Binibeca Vell. To their surprise, they made a completely different decision instead of introducing restrictions.
The problem of mass tourism in Menorca, especially in Binibeca Vell, has long affected residents who face crowds of tourists daily. Visitors walk through narrow streets, take photos on private properties, and even enter homes, causing dissatisfaction among the local community.
Menorca extends attraction visiting hours
- We don't have anything against tourism, but sometimes it feels like we're living in Disneyland Paris - confessed one of the local residents, quoted by The Sun.
Residents decided to conduct a referendum to introduce a ban on tourist entry. However, to everyone's surprise, it was decided to extend visiting hours. Instead of 11:00 to 20:00, Binibeca Vell will now be open for visitors from 10:00 to 22:00.
Pau Cardona de la Camara, the administrator of the residents' association, told The Telegraph that the result does not solve the problem of excessive tourism.
The problem of excessive tourism remains unsolved
Unfortunately, the referendum did not yield the expected results, and residents are still searching for a balance between protecting peace and maintaining the island's economic stability.
- I care deeply about protecting and preserving Mallorca. I live here and I want to enjoy this beautiful island, but we’ve all got make a living and that living, for the vast majority of people, comes from tourism – stated Pedro Fiol, president of the Balearic Tourist Agents Association.
