Anti-tourism protesters in Majorca have threatened to bring the city to a standstill next month, with a major demonstration planned for July 26. The protest, organized by the group Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism More Life), is set to take place at the start of the UK summer holidays, aiming to draw attention to the negative impacts of mass tourism on the island.
Protest Details
The demonstration is scheduled for 7pm on July 26 in Palma, the capital of Majorca. Organizers have expressed confidence in a "historic turnout," warning that the Balearic Islands are heading towards a "decisive" and extremely difficult summer. Spokesperson David Comas stated, "Majorca is at its limit. We can't cope with more tourists." He described the island as having been turned into a "theme park," making it impossible for young people to become independent and secure decent housing.
Previous Protests
The upcoming protest comes just over a year after thousands marched in Palma in a demonstration that ended with around 100 activists surrounding an upmarket eatery, Cappuccino Borne, in the city center, banging drums. Police had to intervene to disperse the crowd. Smaller protests are expected to take place in the weeks leading up to the main march, though they have not yet been fully publicized.
Factors Fueling Anger
The group cited several factors contributing to their frustration, including the impact of tourism on living and working conditions, the vulnerability of workers, the real estate market, and the proliferation of holiday rentals that have severely affected locals' access to housing. Additionally, an exceptional factor this summer is the total solar eclipse on August 12, which has dramatically increased the number of expected visitors. "Hotel reservations are already completely full for the day of the eclipse, which will completely overwhelm Majorca," Comas added.
Broader Context
Anti-tourism protests have been spreading across Spain, with the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands at the forefront. Similar demonstrations have occurred in cities like Barcelona and Malaga. In some cases, foreign tourists have faced abuse during marches. In May 2024, an estimated 15,000 people took part in a protest in Palma where holidaymakers were booed and jeered while eating evening meals in a square, leading organizers to issue a public apology. Earlier, around 1,000 people gathered outside Ibiza Council's headquarters to vent their anger over mass tourism.
In the Canary Islands, activists have escalated their tactics, including gluing shut Airbnb key boxes and using fake police tape to cordon off popular beauty spots, such as beach access paths, to trick tourists into thinking they are closed. The first anti-tourist demonstration in the Balearic Islands this year took place in Menorca on June 13, a popular destination for British tourists.
