The Consell Insular gets funding to promote a total of 4 strategic projects in sport, environment and sustainable tourism
The Executive Committee of the Annual Plan of the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) has met to approve the multi-annual projects to be funded in Menorca. The Consell Insular de Menorca has secured funds for four strategic projects in the field of sports, in the fight against illegal supply and for the protection of the natural environment. In addition, important investments have been approved to reinforce water management, in collaboration with the Conselleria del Mar of the Balearic Islands Government.
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The Consell Insular de Menorca will receive 24.5 million euros from the Sustainable Tourism Tax ITS
The Consell presented a total of 41,064,573.67 euros, of which 21,005,155.63 euros were for the ‘Menorca Deportiva’ project, with a first phase valued at 8,745,671.26 euros. Finally, the executive committee has approved direct funding from the ITS totalling €24,564,573 for all projects, distributed as follows:
1. Sporting Menorca – Deseasonalisation.
Investment PHASE I: 8.745.671,26€.
This project aims to modernise and expand Menorca’s sports infrastructures to promote physical activity as a differential and sustainable tourist product, especially during the low season. The project seeks to position the island as a sporting and healthy destination, improving facilities in several municipalities with the construction of athletics tracks, renovation of roofs, pavements, and solar energy installations. It is part of the Island’s Sports Facilities Plan and is aligned with the objectives of the ITS Annual Plan 2024-2025 for deseasonalisation and sustainability. The project will be divided into two phases to adapt to the financial availability and needs of each sports infrastructure.
2. Menorca Natural Environment Preservation Project 2024-2025
Investment: 8,184,888.32 €.
Among the planned actions is the modernisation and improvement of the accesses to tourist areas of Menorca, such as the remodelling of the façade of the entrance to Es Castell, the improvement of the viewpoints of Cala Galdana, the rehabilitation of the central avenue of Sant Tomás, the acquisition of land to access the mountain routes of the Ermita de Ferreries Hermitage or the restoration of the geological façade of the port of Maó.
3. Fight against Illegal Tourism Supply
Investment: 1,879,685.67 €.
This project focuses on combating illegal tourist rentals on the island, strengthening the quality and sustainability of the tourism sector. It includes the implementation of advanced technology to detect illegal advertisements on digital platforms and the capture of aerial images to locate irregular properties. In addition, there will be a campaign to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the negative effects of illegal supply, to ensure legality and quality in the tourism sector in Menorca.
4. Biosphere Reserve Project
Investment: 10,001,495.69 €.
This project promotes the Menorca Biosphere Reserve Action Plan and the Menorca 2030 Strategy, aimed at consolidating the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the island. Of the 10 million euros foreseen for investment, 8 million are provided by the Balearic Government within the framework of the Biosphere Reserve Law, and the other 2 million are provided by the Island Council. Among the most important actions are the emergency plans for forest fires, the conservation of the Favàritx battery and aid for tourist establishments through the BGreen programme, which focuses on water efficiency, waste management and the reduction of light pollution.
Menorca Water III
Investment: 7.010.838,55€.
In collaboration with the Conselleria del Mar, the allocation for Menorca Water III has been approved. This project continues the work begun in previous phases to improve Menorca’s water infrastructures, guaranteeing an efficient and sustainable water supply. The actions include the installation of sewage networks in Sant Lluís and Cala Galdana, smart water meters for large consumers, the improvement of the supply network in Maó and other municipalities, and the connection of new wells to the central reservoirs in Turó. The aim is to optimise drinking water management on the island and ensure quality for the population of Menorca.
Distribution by island
It should be noted that the total of these investments exceeds the maximum allocated for Menorca in the ITS Fund, which was 14.03%, finally achieving an allocation of 14.85% of the total. This represents a significant increase in investment on the island compared to recent years. For example, in 2023, 2.4 million euros from the ITS Fund were earmarked for projects in Menorca and 9.11 million euros in a second call for proposals.