Business owners and workers in Majorca have voiced concerns ahead of a major anti-tourism demonstration expected to draw up to 30,000 protesters to the island's capital, Palma, on Sunday evening. The march, organised by the grassroots collective Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), threatens to bring central Palma to a standstill, with authorities warning of severe delays and road closures just as the British summer holidays peak.
The protest is the fifth significant demonstration on the island since May 2024, as locals express anger over rising housing costs, overcrowded infrastructure, and the spread of short-term holiday rentals. Organisers declared that Mallorca has reached its 'ecological, territorial, and social limits,' accusing officials of prioritising holidaymakers while residents endure an 'unprecedented housing crisis'.
Despite the anger, many local residents insist the island cannot survive without tourism. Toni, a Palma taxi driver, stated: 'Tourism is essential in Mallorca. It’s good. We don’t have any other source of income.' Dani, who runs a café in Palma, said he would not join the marchers: 'Of course not. We have to take care of those who feed us, not drive them away. Managing the number of tourists ethically and morally is one thing, but not wanting them to come at all is another.'
Others acknowledged the strain on local life but urged caution. Isabel, a shop worker near Palma Cathedral, noted that overcrowding feels 'out of control' but argued cutting off visitors is not the answer: 'We shouldn’t try to cut off tourism with an axe, but we should find a way to regulate it.' The protest comes as Spain heads for a record year, on track to welcome 100 million international tourists. Majorca hosted approximately 13.4 million visitors in 2024, followed by a record 13.6 million last year.
Further travel disruption is expected as Swissport workers at Palma Airport have announced strikes on Monday, July 27, and on August 1, 4, and 8, citing unmet demands. Data from AirHelp shows that almost 40% of passengers using the airport between May 1 and July 23 experienced delays or cancellations. Holidaymakers in Palma are advised to plan extra travel time, especially when heading to the airport.
