Mallorca locals urged to ‘take over the beaches’ in protest against tourists this weekend

Residents of the Balearic Islands are taking their anti-tourism protests to the beaches this weekend in a bold move to reclaim their shores from overcrowding. The social media group Mallorca Platja Tour is calling on locals to gather at Sa Ràpita Beach this Saturday, June 1, to swim and enjoy the coastline in protest against the influx of tourists.

Using the hashtag #OcupemLesNostresPlatges, which translates to ‘let’s occupy our beaches’, the movement aims to send a strong message to authorities and tourists alike. The group is urging residents to come out in numbers to show their support for the cause and demand action to address the issue of overtourism on the island.

The protests come in response to controversial statements made by a spokesperson for the right-wing party Vox, suggesting that Mallorcans should not expect to enjoy the beaches in July and August as they have in previous years. This has sparked outrage among locals who feel that their way of life is being threatened by the growing tourism industry.

In addition to the beach protests, residents in Palma are also proposing measures such as taxes for cruise ship passengers, limits on rental cars, and revised rubbish charges for tourists. The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, has expressed support for these initiatives and emphasized the need to find a balance between tourism and the well-being of local communities.

As tensions rise between residents and tourists, the future of tourism in the Balearic Islands remains uncertain. The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices and the need to protect the natural beauty of these popular destinations.