Tourism under control
With the opening up of the country to the outside world around 1975 - a late arrival compared to the other three islands of the archipelago, which opened up to foreign currency in the early 1960s - livestock breeding and agriculture, along with small-scale industry, gradually lost their status as leaders of the island economy. Today, tourism accounts for 40% of Menorca's GDP. As a result, the island now operates on a seasonal basis: from May/June to September/October, business is in full swing, with hotels and restaurants selling out in just a few months. The rest of the year, from October/November to April/May, Menorca has a completely different rhythm, much more local and authentic. In 2024, in keeping with their commitment to maintaining a controlled and respectful tourism industry, Menorca's authorities were betting on a more upmarket tourism industry. Fewer tourists, but more foreign currency. In fact, the granting of tourist licenses to open new hotels has been frozen until 2025. It's also worth noting that Menorca's high-quality products are becoming increasingly popular for export: cheeses, gins, costume jewelry, luxury shoes and leather fashion accessories.
Minorca Island Council
The dissolution of the "Diputación Provincial de Baleares" in July 1978 and its replacement by the Conseil Général Interinsulaire paved the way for the creation of three island councils: Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza & Formentera. Initially born as local government bodies (1978), they were later defined as institutions with the creation of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands in 1983. Menorca's very first Island Council was created at Maó Town Hall on April 19, 1979, and was active during the pre-autonomous period (1979-1983).
How exactly does the Menorca Island Council work? Autonomous status gives the Insular Council "the government, administration and representation" of the island of Menorca. To this end, the Insular Council is made up of regional deputies elected to the Parliament of the Balearic Islands. The fundamental functions exercised by the Menorca Town Council are as follows:
To exercise legislative initiative before the Parliament of the Balearic Islands.
To manage the decisions of the Government of the Autonomous Community of Menorca and act as its ordinary representative.
Sign agreements and cooperation agreements.
Exercise regulatory authority.
Assume and execute the powers of article 39 of the Statute of Autonomy of the Balearic Islands.
