Residents of Soller Valley on the island of Majorca are concerned that their protests against overtourism have driven visitors away, leading to a sharp decline in tourist numbers. The area, which has long relied on tourism for its economy, has seen a significant drop in visitors this year, with hotels, restaurants, and other businesses reporting reduced activity.
A hotel proprietor told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: 'We've scared the tourists away. I wouldn't want to spend my holidays in a place where I don't feel welcome.' A waiter at a local eatery added: 'Except on weekends or rainy days, there's not much going on here; we're just waiting around, and it's been like this since May.'
Statistics from Majorca officials confirm a downturn in tourist figures across the Balearic Islands following a series of anti-tourism rallies. The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) reports that areas like Soller are experiencing significant drops, while the College of Tour Guides notes a 20% decline in excursion bookings this summer.
Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides, said: 'The anti-tourism messages are resonating. If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays. We are sending the message that we don't want tourists and that everything is too crowded.'
Juanmi Ferrer, head of the Restaurants Association in Mallorca, warned that dwindling visitor numbers could force eateries to close. Some restaurants in typically busy areas like Soller are allowing staff to take holidays during what should be the peak season. In June, around 10,000 demonstrators marched in Palma demanding action against overtourism.
