Protests against over-tourism in Majorca are gaining momentum as activists plan to occupy beaches this weekend.
- A recent demonstration in Palma attracted 10,000 participants, highlighting the growing discontent among residents.
- Protestors are using social media to mobilise efforts against what they see as unsustainable tourism practices.
- A notable incident of a beach brawl involving British tourists has further intensified local frustrations.
- Local government’s rejection of new tourism measures has prompted vows from officials to continue advocacy for citizens’ interests.
Protests against over-tourism in Majorca are intensifying, with demonstrators planning to occupy beaches this weekend to stress their concerns. The planned beach occupation comes on the heels of a massive demonstration in Palma, where 10,000 people gathered to voice their dissatisfaction with the current state of tourism on the island. Such mobilisation highlights the escalating tension between residents and tourists, driven by what locals perceive as an overwhelming influx of visitors impacting their way of life.
Activists, notably the group Mallorca Platja Tour, have taken to social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), to galvanise support and urge local residents to participate in the beach occupations. This strategic use of social media underscores a forward-thinking approach by protestors to coordinate and amplify their call for change. The protest movement reflects broader concerns not only in Majorca but also reverberating across Spain.
The situation reached a boiling point following a beach brawl in Calvia, involving British tourists whose disruptive behaviour led to multiple arrests. This incident has become a flashpoint, symbolising the broader issues of respect and coexistence that island residents demand from international visitors. It underscores the mounting grievances that have galvanised citizens into action, demanding a more sustainable tourism model.
Contributing to the unrest, new measures proposed by Mayor Jaime Martinez, aimed at curbing the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism, were decisively voted down in Palma’s city council. These proposals included limiting cruise ship dockings, imposing passenger taxes, and regulating rental cars and party boats. Despite the setback, Mayor Martinez has publicly vowed to persist in advocating for policies that balance the interests of residents and tourists, emphasising the global nature of the tourism challenge.
The current protests echo similar demonstrations that occurred in the Canary Islands earlier this year, indicating a pattern of growing resistance against traditional tourism models in Spain. The regional and national implications of these actions are profound, suggesting potential shifts in policy and practice as local governments grapple with finding equilibrium between economic benefits and quality of life for residents.
The protests in Majorca form part of a wider call for sustainable tourism practices across Spain.
