Those planning a summer getaway to the Balearic Islands should be aware of potential anti-tourism demonstrations set to hit destinations like Majorca and Menorca. Activists in these popular holiday spots are threatening to bring key areas of Majorca to a grinding halt on July 26 with another wave of protests against mass tourism. Over in Menorca, marches are currently scheduled for June 13. More than 50 organisations across these sought-after destinations have issued a rallying cry, stating their intention to “collapse” Mallorca’s capital, Palma. The
demonstrations are being orchestrated by “Menys turisme, mes vida” (“Less tourism, more life”), the group behind last year’s widespread protests. They’ve cautioned that this year’s turnout could be even larger as they urge local residents to show their support on the day. In Majorca, the main demonstrations are anticipated to unfold at the base of Palma’s cathedral, a magnet for tourists, particularly those arriving on cruise ships who disembark and explore the area, reports the Mirror . David Comas, one of the group’s spokesmen, has
warned that the Balearic Islands faces a “decisive” and exceptionally challenging summer ahead. He highlighted that beyond the island’s existing structural issues, this year brings an extraordinary element with the total solar eclipse on August 12th, an astronomical phenomenon that has sent visitor forecasts soaring. “We foresee that it will be a very difficult summer for Majorcans,” said the spokesman. “By the day of the eclipse, hotel reservations are already completely full, which will completely collapse the island.” The protests aren’t solely focused on tourist
numbers, but also on the profound impact that the current model has on the day-to-day lives of local residents. Menys Turisme, més vida claims thousands of workers are in a situation of “maximum vulnerability”, with housing on the island becoming a pressing concern, which David Comas says “has been transformed into a theme park where the right to be able to live is violated”. It’s not just Balearic Island residents who have been voicing their frustration against the consequences of mass tourism in recent times.
Reports have emerged from Lanzarote of Airbnb key boxes being sealed shut with glue and access to well-known tourist destinations being blocked off. Videos circulating across social media platforms show protestors applying adhesive to lock boxes that ordinarily hold keys accessible via PIN codes supplied by holiday rental hosts. Separate demonstrations have also seen activists deploying red and white tape alongside unofficial warning signs, seemingly in an effort to discourage visitors from accessing certain locations. Anti-tourism graffiti bearing slogans such as “Tourists go home” has
also begun appearing across various parts of the island. Back in 2024, mass protests swept across the Canary Islands, with flashpoints in popular destinations such as Tenerife. The demonstrators weren’t taking aim at tourists directly, but rather highlighting how mass tourism is affecting the islands, claiming it’s making it harder for residents to secure housing while also straining the islands’ overall infrastructure. Throughout the demonstrations, campaigners have consistently urged authorities to consider implementing measures like visitor limits or tourism levies. Some residents reported at the
time being forced from their homes by landlords keen to convert properties into tourist accommodation, while others simply cannot meet rental costs, which have been driven up by tourist demand. There have been growing calls for authorities to address the housing crisis and potentially bring in tougher regulations surrounding holiday properties and short-term lettings. Want to see more of the stories you love from RSVP ? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google, simply click here
Ireland holidaymakers, anti-tourism protests, Spain, Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Palma, Menys turisme, mes vida, housing crisis, mass tourism