Seasonality in Menorca: Analyzing Tourism Plans and Associated Components in Menorca's Seasonal Trends

Abstract

[eng] Menorca, known for its reliance on the tourism sector, faces a critical challenge due to its highly seasonal nature. This seasonality has significant negative impacts on the island, including transportation congestion, infrastructure strain, and ecological repercussions, particularly concerning its status as a biosphere reserve since 1993. To address these issues, various strategic plans have been implemented over the past two decades, such as the Sustainable Development Plan (PDS), the Insular Territorial Plan (PTI) and the Tourism Development Plan (PDT), with the objective to combine tourism management with the island's natural and cultural characteristics. Consequently, the underlying causes of tourism seasonality need to be analyzed. The predominant "sun and beach" model, based on visitors seeking warm weather and coastal landscapes, has been an important factor. However, evolving consumer preferences and a declining Fordist tourism model have underscored the need for diversifying tourism offerings, including cultural, sports and gastronomic experiences throughout the year. Efforts to reduce seasonality are underway, with initiatives promoting agrotourism, cultural routes and conferences. Nonetheless, these endeavors face challenges, including inadequate air connections, accommodation offer and a fragmented complementary offer, leading to "ghost towns" in low season months. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, integrating air transportation improvements, aligning hoteliers interests with deseasonalization goals and enhancing complementary offerings to ensure a balanced and sustainable tourism sector on the island of Menorca.