From Dreamland to a Place Too Touristy to Be Enjoyable
The likes of the influencers and influencers of past years were invited to reveal their secret tips around the hidden gems of the Balearic Islands. Their posts rapidly drew international attention, especially to scenic spots like Caló des Moro Bay. The bay soon became a must-see featuring “soft white sand and crystal clear water,” according to the website. But its popularity grew too big for its britches: Though it can hold only around 100 people, the pool drew as many as 4,000 visitors a day last summer. What had been a peaceful getaway was transformed into an emblem of mass tourism’s downside.

New approach: Reduce Influence, Defend Islands
Confronted with overcrowding and environmental stress, officials in the Balearic Islands have vowed to stop their tourism strategy geared toward influencers. Videos made by influencers advertising popular spots like Caló des Moro Bay were scrubbed from official tourism channels. The move is part of a policy change to restrict the number of tourists and conserve the local environment. Officials have said the strategy wound up promoting “selfie tourism,” unintended consequences of which were harmful.

Local leaders, by halting influencer promotions, want to ease the pressure on overtrafficked spots and restore what they consider a balance between tourism and everyday life on the islands.