Protest on Mallorca: 8,000 demand a stop to mass tourism!

Protest on Mallorca: 8,000 demand a stop to mass tourism!

Thousands of people recently protested again against mass tourism in Mallorca. Around 8,000 participants marched from Plaça d’Espanya through the streets of Palma to the Passeig del Born promenade. The final rally took place there, with passionate slogans like “If you love Mallorca, don’t destroy it!” were chanted. The demonstration was organized by the umbrella initiative “Menys turisme, més vida”, which brings together numerous organizations and groups. Speaker Jaume Pujol strongly called for a limit on the number of visitors, a moratorium on cruises and an end to tourist rentals to ease the ongoing pressure on the island. According to PZ-News, Pujol sharply criticized the regional government for ignoring the concerns of the population, especially since the large-scale protest in July 2024.

These protests are not without reason. The number of tourists in the Balearic Islands is constantly growing and over 20 million visitors are expected to visit the islands in 2024. This is particularly severe with a population of less than a million. Around 13.5 million tourists were recorded on Mallorca alone in 2024. Despite this high number of tourists, which represents an increase of one million compared to 2023, the impact on the local population and environment is dramatic. As also reported on Isla Travel, tourists spent a whopping 22.4 billion euros on the islands last year - an increase of 12 percent compared to the previous year.

The dark side of tourism

The other side of the coin is skyrocketing rental prices, which are making it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable housing. Environmental protection is also suffering from the onslaught: overloaded beaches, garbage problems and a lack of water are just some of the pressing challenges. This leads to increasing resistance among the population, who are calling louder for stricter regulations and a reduction in the number of guests.

The regional government is already planning measures to regulate mass tourism, including a possible increase in the tourist tax for the 2025 peak season. It is even considering higher taxes on short-term rentals, such as those offered through platforms such as Airbnb. Strict restrictions on cruise ships in Palma are also under discussion. The aim is to promote more sustainable forms of travel and potentially transform Mallorca into a luxury destination, which could increase the occupancy of boutique hotels and luxury hotels, while classic package tourism would suffer.

A look into the future

The challenges posed by mass tourism continue to be the focus in Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands. The balance between economic success and ecological sustainability is difficult to find. According to National Geographic, the pandemic-related reduction in tourists also shows that nature on the island can recover. During the lockdowns, locals have seen an unprecedented increase in animal populations, giving hope for a more sustainable future.

It is clear that the voices of protesters should not be ignored. The lasting impression is clear: In order to save Mallorca, something must be done urgently. The future of the island depends on whether we respond quickly and consistently to the current challenges. The coming decisions will determine whether the popular holiday oasis remains livable for the locals.