Govern de les Illes Balears

Partner Profile

The Balearic Islands is a region in the Mediterranean Sea characterised by its insularity and a territorial division by islands, it is formed by four islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The main economic activities are tourism, services and industry. More than 85% of the Balearic Gross Value Added (GAV) corresponds to the service sector with the highest contribution derived from the tourist sector. Tourism activities in the Balearics generate 26,2% of full-time equivalent jobs and represent 36,3% of total regional intermediate consumes and 23,7% of added value. Therefore, tourism activities are a driving force in the regional economy.

Partner's experience in the field of sustainable tourism

In the Balearic Islands, given the importance of tourism for the economy, environmental degradation is a key concern for the sustainable development of tourism industry as it endangers the sustainability of the main resource that sustains tourism activities (coastal area), and for the quality of life of the islands' citizens. Since 2005 the Balearic R+D+i policy has taken tourism into account in research and innovation policy through the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan (2005-2008). The general strategic objective of this plan is to reinforce the regional innovation system. One specific objective is to promote scientific and technological research on thematic areas of strategic interest: Tourism; Environment (Marine Science and Technologies); and Health Sciences. Tourism R+D and innovation activities are therefore a high priority area.