Locals in Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza urge for ‘peace’ as they protest against overcrowded UK tourist areas

The Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are facing tensions as protesters and UK tourists clash over the issue of “overtourism”. The situation escalated when Mallorcans were called to “storm” beaches in protest this weekend, prompting a response from the islands’ tourism minister, Jaume Bauzá.

Bauzá has urged for peace and respect in the protests, emphasizing that demands should not disrupt the operations of Palma Son Sant Joan Airport. The potential protest targets include the airport, the port in Palma, and popular beaches like Es Trenc and Caló des Moro. The aim of the protests is to address concerns about overcrowding and the impact of tourism on the local community.

María José Verdú, a member of parliament from the Vox party, has called for increased security at the airport to prevent any chaos or threats. The government’s approach to the situation is focused on achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability while engaging in dialogue with all stakeholders.

In response to the protests, a group called Mallorca Platja Tour is mobilizing Mallorcans to join demonstrations against tourist overcrowding. The first protest is scheduled for this Saturday in Colònia de Sant Jordi, with plans for a larger protest on Sunday, June 16. The group aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by locals due to the influx of tourists.

As tensions continue to rise, the call for peace and constructive dialogue between protesters and tourists remains crucial to finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Balearic Islands.