Mass Protests Erupt in Mallorca Against Tourism Overload

On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Palma de Mallorca to protest against mass tourism, reflecting a growing discontent with the impact of holidaymakers on local communities in Spain. Organizers, under the banner of Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), claimed that around 50,000 people participated, while police estimates were significantly lower at approximately 12,000. Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Tourists we love you when you don’t buy our land” and “Your paradise is our nightmare,” highlighting their grievances against the current tourism model. The protest, which began at 7 p.m. local time, was supported by around 110 groups and social movements. Demonstrators voiced their concerns that the existing tourism framework “impoverishes workers and enriches only a few.” They called for an alternative tourism model that prioritizes access to decent housing, improved public services, and the conservation of natural areas, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the tourism sector. This demonstration is part of a broader trend of resistance against mass tourism in Spain, particularly in the Balearic Islands, which welcomed 14.4 million foreign visitors last year. Earlier protests in Barcelona saw activists spraying water on tourists and chanting “Tourists go home,” indicating a rising tide of frustration among locals. In response to these tensions, the Balearic Islands government has implemented new regulations, including a ban on street drinking in key tourist areas, with exceptions for licensed terraces. These measures aim to address the growing concerns surrounding the effects of tourism on local life and the environment.