Holidays with a positive impact: looking after Menorca is also part of the journey
When you choose Menorca as your destination, you’re choosing much more than just beaches with crystal-clear waters and unique landscapes. You are visiting an island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an extraordinary natural environment that deserves to be protected by us all – both those of us who live on the island and those who visit it.
At Minura Hotels, we have been welcoming travellers since the early 1970s and we know that preserving this paradise is not just a responsibility, but also a way of understanding hospitality.
That’s why many of the initiatives you’ll encounter during your stay form part of our MiEco sustainability programme. Some reflect the commitment we’ve made to the environment; others are dictated by the tourism and environmental legislation of the Balearic Islands and the European Union. In both cases, we fully share their objective: to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and help preserve Menorca for future generations.
Below, we explain some of these initiatives.
High-quality water, no single-use plastic bottles
In our bars and restaurants, you won’t find water in disposable plastic bottles. Instead, we provide water filtered using high-quality osmosis and microfiltration systems. If you prefer, we also offer bottled water in returnable glass bottles.
Why do we do this?
Because Balearic regulations require it. Law 8/2019 on waste and contaminated soil in the Balearic Islands, in line with Directive (EU) 2019/904 on single-use plastics, restricts the use of non-reusable plastic packaging and promotes sustainable alternatives for water consumption.
But, as well as complying with the law, we believe it is the right thing to do.
Our MiEco commitment
Thanks to this measure, and the cooperation of our guests, we prevent the generation of over 100,000 plastic bottles each season, reducing marine pollution – particularly from microplastics – and helping to protect one of Menorca’s greatest treasures: the Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds.
Responsible toiletries: refillable dispensers in the rooms
In the bathrooms of our hotels, we have replaced traditional single-use plastic sachets with refillable dispensers. In this way, we continue to offer you high-quality toiletries that are biodegradable, microplastic-free and gentle on your skin.
Why are we doing this?
Because legislation is also moving towards a model of tourism that generates less waste.
Balearic Law 8/2019 and the guidelines of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) promote the phasing out of single-use packaging in tourist establishments to reduce the amount of waste generated on the islands.
This is a commitment we fully embrace because it aligns with our understanding of sustainability.
Our MiEco commitment
Our hotels hold the international Travelife Gold environmental certification. By using refillable dispensers, we have managed to reduce plastic waste generated in guest rooms by over 85 per cent and help preserve the quality of Menorca’s treated water.
Efficient air conditioning to care for the planet… and your well-being too
We want you to enjoy a comfortable and pleasant holiday. That is why we maintain the air conditioning in our facilities within a balanced comfort range, between 24 °C and 27 °C, seeking the best balance between well-being and efficiency.
Why do we do this?
Because Royal Decree-Law 14/2022, in line with the Regulation on Heating Systems in Buildings (RITE), sets temperature limits for tourist and public spaces during the summer months.
We comply with this regulation because it is mandatory, but also because we are convinced that responsible energy consumption benefits everyone.
Our MiEco commitment
It is important to bear in mind that efficient air conditioning helps prevent sudden temperature changes, improves actual comfort, reduces energy consumption and cuts CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to more sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Ecotax (ITS): a small contribution with a big impact
During the check-in process, guests pay the so-called Tourist Stay Tax (ITS), commonly known as the Balearic Ecotax.
This amount, which the hotel collects on behalf of the public authorities, is allocated in full to projects for environmental and heritage conservation and infrastructure improvements in the Balearic Islands.
Why is it charged?
Because this is stipulated by Law 2/2016 of 30 March on the Tourist Stay Tax in the Balearic Islands, which is mandatory for all tourist establishments.
Although its collection is determined by law, we fully support the purpose of this tax and the positive impact it has on the conservation of the island.
What does your contribution go towards?
Among other projects, the eco-tax funds initiatives such as:
• The maintenance and conservation of the 185 kilometres of the Camí de Cavalls.
• Patrol services to protect the Posidonia seagrass beds and prevent boats from anchoring on them.
• The conservation of the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park and other natural areas.
• The restoration of the Talayotic heritage, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Improvements to the island’s sanitation and water treatment infrastructure.
MiEco: complying with regulations is just the starting point
At Minura Hotels, we understand that sustainability is not merely about complying with legislation, although we take on this responsibility with the utmost commitment.
Our MiEco programme goes one step further: it brings together initiatives that enable us to reduce our environmental impact, use resources responsibly and help preserve Menorca’s extraordinary natural environment.
For us, the best memory of a holiday is also knowing that we have helped to protect the place that made it possible.
We invite you to discover all the initiatives in our sustainability programme at minurahotels.net/mieco.
