The Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) will propose to the Formentera Council the removal of the port of La Savina from the cruise destination promotion campaign for the upcoming 2016 season, taking into account the adverse reactions coming from the island regarding the anchoring of tourist cruise ships in Zone II.
The APB understands that opposing the anchoring of ships in this port domain area, where the anchoring of vessels is permitted and regulated, also implies opposing tourist cruises making a stop in the port of the island of Formentera, the only maritime access point to the island for this type of ship.
“If Formentera decides not to continue receiving cruise ships, the APB has no interest in continuing to promote La Savina as a destination for this type of tourism,” explains APB President Alberto Pons, adding that “the only thing we would be doing, if we didn’t act this way, is creating confusion among the shipping companies, which would ultimately harm the international promotion that the APB carries out for the Balearic Islands as a cruise destination.”.
Formentera could also continue to be promoted as an excursion option for cruise ship passengers stopping at the port of Ibiza, as is already being done.
Anchorage area
During these months, preparations are underway for the 2016 and 2017 cruise seasons. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) may cancel the planned calls for next year, but not those committed to this year, of which seven remain.
Zone II of the port of La Savina is located within the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera, an area abundant with Posidonia oceanica seagrass. However, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has the authority to permit vessels to anchor in this zone.
Until now, cargo ships and cruise ships have been permitted to anchor, but not private yachts. However, the measure prohibiting cruise ships from anchoring in Zone II would not affect cargo ships that, in the general interest of Formentera, request permission to anchor in the designated area
