Running out of water in Mallorca

Introduction

Mediterranean favourable climate has attracted many tourists from all over the world. Mallorca island receives around 11 million visitors every year. However tourism also brings negative impacts for the island.

Mallorca is having water shortage problem during the years. The tourist and tourism industry water consumption are already beyond the capabilities of local source. This condition will be worst in the future because of the climatic changes. It is predicted that the weather in the Mediterranean will be hotter in the futures, lowering the chances of rain and the capabilities of local water sources.

Original Article: Tourism Development in Mallorca: Is Water Supply a Constraint? Journal of Sustainable Tourism; 2004, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p4-28, 25p . by , Stephen Essex, Martin Kent,  and Rewi Newnham (the article can be found at www.ebscohost.com)

Essay by Rinza Adrial Sandy
Master in Tourism Destination Management student 2008/2009

Since the successful revitalization of tourism in the Mediterranean, tourism becomes the main industry in Mallorca. The number of tourist has growth from 1 million in 1960 to almost 17 million in 1990s. The growing number of tourist and tourism industry however put pressure on the availability of water sources, and climate change will make it worst.

Mediterranean is attractive for the tourist because of its climate, the hot sun, beaches and sands. However the studies has shown that in the future, because of the climate change the weather in the Mediterranean will be too hot for the tourists. It will severe Mallorca’s economy which rely on tourism. The climate change also will add another problems for the water supply in Mallorca, there will be less rain in the region and there will be less source of fresh water. The development of tourists area which is distant from the water source and its excessive consumption of water is already beyond the capabilities of local water sources. It is also known that sea water desalination plant is not the answer since the activities to salinate water contributes to global warming/climate change.

Tourist also contribute to the pressure of local water sources. It is well known that tourist uses more water than local resident and if the condition continue like this, someday there will not be enough water for tourist and local residents. So we can predict that in the future, Mallorca will see a decline in tourist visiting the area. The climate change will also bring a more suitable climate in Europe than in Mediterranean and it is predicted that many Europeans will travel more in their own regions.

In my opinion, the government should take measures to solve the problems. Limitation of visitors and zoning system should be implemented to preserve the local water resources. The hot weather in the future will makes the travel to Mallorca less enjoyable unless the visitor limitation is implemented. By limiting the number of tourist in the area hopefully the pressure to local water sources can be reduced, and tourist will sure to appreciate to experience Mallorca with not so many tourist around.

The uncontrollable growth of tourism industry such as golf course also have to be regulated by using the zoning system. Golf courses is the user of excessive water in Mallorca. In one studies it was said that the uses of water of a particular golf course could supply enough water for the residents of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. By imposing a zoning system for tourism development, the development of new tourist attractions can be focused in certain areas that is less vulnerable, and the local water sources area that is vulnerable could be identified and protected.