Transition of Mallorca towards a circular tourism economy

Abstract

[eng] The aim of this paper is to present circular economy as a solution to the detrimental effects of the linear model based on extracting-producing-throwing, taking as reference the case of the tourism sector in Mallorca. The concept of circular economy and sustainable development has been increasingly gaining the attention of governments and businesses worldwide, in this work we will evaluate sustainable development applying circularity measures within the tourism sector of Mallorca assessing the key action areas energy, food, water and materials & waste. The characteristics and complexities of tourism sets a challenge for public and private entities to adopt circular measures, these will be analyzed in a SWOT analysis context, method used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in the transition of Mallorca towards a circular tourism economy. The analysis of Mallorca shows that despite the progress made the last years to become more circular, improving in reduction and reuse areas need to be addressed to help Mallorca continue leading the path towards a circular tourism system.