Mallorca residents rally against soaring tourism impact
A protest took place on the streets of Palma de Mallorca, the largest city on Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands. Thousands of island residents expressed dissatisfaction with the mass influx of tourists.
8:19 AM EDT, July 22, 2024
Several thousand Majorca residents protested on Sunday in Palma de Mallorca, the main city on this island, against the mass influx of tourists.
The demonstration united residents from various groups
The demonstration gathered diverse social groups, including representatives of social organizations, civic movements, urban and environmental activists, and numerous families. In conversations with the media, demonstrators expressed their concerns and dissatisfaction. They claimed that the mass influx of tourists not only causes traffic chaos on Majorca but also leads to the degradation of the island's natural environment and a drastic increase in living costs.
During the protest, participants chanted various slogans against tourists. Chants included: "Go back home!", "Don't destroy our island!", "It's time to stop", "Who loves Majorca, doesn't destroy it," and "Give us back Majorca!". Some demonstrators brought banners with inscriptions such as: "We are not fighting tourists but the destruction of Majorca", "Put an end to tourism!" and "We want a decent life!".
Protesters put forward various demands. They wanted not only to limit the number of accommodations for tourists but also to designate special zones on the island where vacationers are not allowed. Additionally, they demanded limits on the number of cars that can enter Majorca if they are not registered on the island.
Sunday's protest is another event in Palma de Mallorca, organized in response to mass tourism. Similar demonstrations have occurred recently in other Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Alicante, Seville, and Malaga.