Mallorca Works on Refining Tourist Data to Tackle Overcrowding and Illegal Rentals

Published on December 27, 2025

One of Spain’s favorite tourist spots is Mallorca, which has seen an ever-increasing number of visitors; but now the island’s administration is appealing for more realistic data to be able to appreciate the magnitude of its own tourism sector. It is the Balearic Government that is trying to improve the data available concerning the number of tourists as well as their stay on the island; their aim is to be able to obtain more exact data concerning the actual number of tourists every year in Mallorca. It is from Spain’s Interior Ministry that this data is collected in its most exact form concerning air and sea entries and also staying in tourist facilities.

The Challenge of Day-Trippers and Cruise Passengers
In 2024, Mallorca registered 18.7 million tourists, a figure that is projected to be surpassed in 2025, with estimates suggesting around 19 million visitors. However, these numbers only tell part of the story. A significant portion of these visitors are day-trippers, primarily cruise ship passengers, who do not stay overnight but still contribute to the island’s bustling tourist economy. These short-term visitors often aren’t fully accounted for in the traditional statistics, leading to an underestimation of the island’s true tourism volume.

Day-trippers, while important to the local economy, tend to spend less compared to those who stay overnight, which creates challenges when measuring the real impact of tourism on local businesses. The distinction between day-trippers and overnight guests also raises questions about what constitutes a “tourist” and whether someone who spends a single day in the region should be counted in the same way as those who stay for longer durations.

The Balearic Government has long recognized this discrepancy and is working on refining how it counts tourists, taking into account not just the number of people visiting, but also the types of tourists and their length of stay. This would allow for a more accurate reflection of the island’s tourism trends and better planning for infrastructure, services, and sustainability.

Addressing the Issue of Illegal Holiday Lets
Another pressing issue related to tourism statistics in Mallorca is the growing number of illegal holiday rentals. With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, many properties are being rented out to tourists without proper licenses or regulation. This unregulated market has contributed to a surge in tourism numbers but has also raised concerns about overcrowding, local housing shortages, and unaccounted revenue. The Balearic Government sees the need for accurate tourist data as an essential step in addressing this issue.

By improving the accuracy of tourism statistics, the government hopes to better regulate the holiday rental market and ensure that tourism contributes to the economy in a sustainable and fair way. Accurate data would help in identifying areas with excessive tourist demand and guide decisions on where to focus regulatory efforts to protect the local community and environment.

The Importance of Accurate Tourism Data for Sustainable Growth
Having more reliable and detailed tourism statistics would help Mallorca better manage its resources, improve services, and address challenges such as overcrowding. With growing concerns about the impact of tourism on the island’s infrastructure, environment, and housing market, understanding the true number of visitors is crucial for effective decision-making.

The government is already taking steps to increase its collaboration with the Interior Ministry to obtain data that reflects the actual number of tourists visiting Mallorca. This collaboration aims to fill the gaps in the existing data, ensuring that the figures used for planning and policy-making are more accurate and comprehensive. With a clearer understanding of tourist behavior, authorities can tailor tourism strategies to support sustainable growth while maintaining the island’s charm and livability.

Looking Ahead: Forecasting the Future of Mallorca’s Tourism Industry
Looking to the future, Mallorca’s tourism sector is expected to continue growing, but the island’s government faces the challenge of balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility. Improved tourism data will be instrumental in guiding this balance. By refining its methods of tracking tourist arrivals and stays, Mallorca can better assess the needs of its visitors, ensure that tourism infrastructure is prepared for increased demand, and preserve the quality of life for local residents.

The long-term goal is to create a more sustainable tourism model, one that benefits both visitors and the local community. Accurate statistics will enable the Balearic Government to make informed decisions about zoning, transportation, waste management, and the promotion of off-season travel to reduce overcrowding during peak months.

A Step Toward Smarter Tourism Management

The call for more realistic tourist data in Mallorca is representative of the efforts being made by Mallorca in ensuring better tourism management practices. With the Balearic Government in collaboration with the Interior Ministry, Mallorca is headed towards a future where its tourism can be well managed and integrated into their economy. With its efforts geared towards solving issues related to day-trippers, illegal rent, and tourism data, Mallorca is headed towards being one of the world’s favorite tourist destination spots without subjecting its own population to the effects of overtourism.