The Balearic Islands has unveiled the future tourism strategy for the archipelago

Menorca’s prehistoric Talayotic stone monuments

The Balearic Islands, which takes in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera has unveiled the future tourism strategy for the archipelago. 

The islands, off eastern Spain, in the Mediterranean, will combine tourism, culture and sport in highlighting the archipelago’s traveller offering beyond ‘sun, sea and sand’. 

This will enhance the attraction of the four islands during the months from October to May. As part of the new approach, Ibiza will add a new triathlon event from (28-29 September 2024) as a highlight in the Balearic sports calendar. 

It will join over 40 existing international sporting events across the islands, including the Sailing King’s Cup, Vuelta a Menorca, and Formentera Triathlon. 

New in the Balearic Islands 

Menorca’s prehistoric Talayotic stone monuments 

Menorca’s prehistoric Talayotic stone monuments have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of their cultural importance. Combined with the island’s existing Biosphere Reserve title, Menorca is now one of few places in the world to have dual UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its conservation efforts. 

www.illesbalears.travel/en/menorca/ 

Formentera and the Starlight Foundation 

Formentera is looking to gain UNESCO Starlight Tourist Destination recognition. The island is committed to the Starlight Foundation’s ‘Declaration in Defence of the Night Sky and Right to Starlight’, which entailed implementing policies to control light pollution. Formentera’s exceptional landscapes and low light pollution make the island one of the best places to go stargazing. Some of the best spots on the island to stargaze include the beaches in the Barbaria area, where the Lighthouse of Cap de Barbaria and Torre des Garroveret is located and where there is almost no light pollution. 

www.illesbalears.travel/en/formentera/

Ibiza 

Ibiza

Ibiza will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the island’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2024, which marks its cultural and architectural value. The island’s treasures include one of the best-preserved coastal fortresses in the Mediterranean, Dalt Vila’s acropolis; the Phoenician remains of Sa Caleta and its Carthaginian tombs; and the underwater meadows of Posidonia Oceánica. This oneof-a-kind seagrass, which has enormous ecological value and can only be found in the Mediterranean Sea, was also recognised by UNESCO in 1999. 

Palma to introduce the Culinary Mediterranean Cities project 

Mallorca’s capital city, Palma, will introduce the Culinary Mediterranean Cities project in 2024 to entice luxury travellers. The initiative aims to highlight the city as a gastronomic hotspot and will offer travel agents a comprehensive toolkit to market the destination and its culinary credentials effectively. Currently, Mallorca is home to eight Michelin-starred restaurants, and with five of them being in Palma, the tourism board is working on positioning and promoting the city at the forefront of Mediterranean gastronomic traditions. 

www.illesbalears.travel/en/mallorca/ 

Hotel openings 

The Mandarin Oriental Mallorca 

The Mandarin Oriental Group will open a beach resort in the second half of 2024. The hotel will be located in Calvia - southwest of the island on three hectares, including gardens and impressive clifftops. www.mandarinoriental.com/en Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor Located on the Formentor Peninsula with views over the Mediterranean, the former Hotel Formentor will reopen as the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. 

www.mallorcaformentor.com/en/fourseasons-resort-mallorca-at-formentor 

Hyde Ibiza Hotel 

Hyde Ibiza

Following an eight-week pre-season in Summer 2023, Hyde Ibiza will officially open on the waterfront in Cala Llonga in Spring 2024. Featuring 401 rooms including suites with private terraces designed by Spanish studios Beades and Cuarto Interior, the hotel will boast an impressive wellness and culinary offering, in addition to musical entertainment at its poolside cocktail bar. www.ennismore.com/hotels/hyde/ibiza 

Mondrian Ibiza 

Sharing the same six dining spaces as Hyde Ibiza, the five-star Mondrian Ibiza will open in 2024, with 154 rooms and suites and two swimming pools. 

www.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/ibiza 

Los Felices Ibiza 

Los Felices Ibiza, a ‘Palm Springs’ inspired hotel dedicated to the world of fashion, will open in 2024. 

www.theconcepthotels.com/hotels/ibiza/losfelices 

* www.illesbalears.travel 

* Marta Moya at marta@wearelotus.co.uk