Up to 30,000 anti-tourism protesters are expected to flood the streets of Palma on Sunday evening, effectively shutting down the city center. The demonstration, organized by the grassroots collective Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), marks the fifth major protest on the island since May 2024.
Business Owners Push Back
Local business owners and workers have voiced concerns, insisting the island's economy relies on tourism. "Tourism is essential in Mallorca. It's good. We don't have any other source of income," said Toni, a Palma taxi driver, in the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
Dani, who runs a local café in Palma, said he will refuse to 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."
Locals Acknowledge Strain
Isabel, a shop worker near Palma Cathedral, noted that while overcrowding feels "out of control," 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," she said.
Protest Demands
Organisers from Menys Turisme, Més Vida declared: "Mallorca has reached its limit - its ecological, territorial, and social limits." They accused officials of prioritising holidaymakers while residents face an "unprecedented housing crisis."
Protesters are angry over soaring housing costs, overcrowded infrastructure, and the spread of short-term holiday rentals.
Tourism Numbers
Spain is on track to welcome 100 million international tourists this year. Majorca welcomed approximately 13.4 million visitors in 2024, before setting a new record last year with roughly 13.6 million tourists. Despite protests, visitor numbers remain near all-time highs.
Travel Disruptions
The march is scheduled to start at 7pm at Plaça d'Espanya and conclude at Ses Voltes. Holidaymakers are advised to plan extra travel time, especially heading to the airport. Swissport workers at Palma Airport have announced a strike on Monday, July 27, with further walkouts on August 1, 4, and 8. Data from AirHelp shows 40% of passengers using the airport between May 1 and July 23 experienced delays or cancellations.
