The Alicante City Council, led by the Popular Party (PP), has decided against imposing restrictions on visitor numbers to Tabarca. Instead, they aim to reduce congestion through de Seasonalisation.
Deputy Mayor Manuel Villar stated that current data on tourist numbers is insufficient to justify such measures. He emphasized that the impact on the island is more due to inappropriate tourist behaviour than sheer numbers.
Councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, supports promoting year-round visits through initiatives like the Starlight project, which positions Tabarca as a prime location for astronomical observation. This approach aims to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year and encourage overnight stays.
The council is also considering cultural activities to promote the island’s heritage, such as concerts and events in iconic locations. They have requested an extension of the public transfer of the Torre de San José to convert it into a museum and are negotiating with the Bishopric for the rehabilitation of the Casa del Cura.
Urban planning efforts include the completion of a Special Plan for Tabarca, which will define permissible uses and building characteristics. The regional Department of the Environment plans to install ecological moorings to manage recreational vessel docking.
Despite these efforts, opposition groups like PSOE, Compromís, and Esquerra Unida Podem are dissatisfied, calling for more decisive actions to manage tourist numbers and improve services. They advocate for recognizing Tabarca as a biosphere reserve to ensure sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
