Mass Protests Erupt in Mallorca Against Tourism Overload
- Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Mallorca to express their dissatisfaction with the overwhelming impact of mass tourism on the island.
- The protest reflects a growing pushback against holidaymakers in Spain, who many locals believe are negatively affecting their communities.
- Activists are advocating for sustainable tourism practices that respect local culture and environment.
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 from the group Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) claimed that around 50,000 people participated, while police estimates suggested the number was closer to 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 approximately 110 social movements and groups. Demonstrators voiced their concerns that the existing tourism framework “impoverishes workers and enriches only a few,” calling for an alternative model that prioritizes decent housing, improved public services, and the conservation of natural areas. This event is part of a broader trend of resistance against tourism in Spain, particularly in the Balearic Islands, which saw 14.4 million foreign visitors last year. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with similar protests occurring in Barcelona, where demonstrators chanted “Tourists go home” and engaged in confrontational acts against visitors. In response to the growing unrest, the Balearic Islands government implemented new regulations in May, prohibiting street drinking in key tourist areas, with exceptions for licensed terraces. The ongoing protests underscore a significant shift in local sentiment towards tourism and its effects on community life.