Thousands of people took to the streets in Spain’s Balearic Islands to protest against mass tourism as the summer season approaches. In Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the largest Balearic Island, about 10,000 demonstrators marched with posters reading SOS Residents and Enough Mass Tourism. A smaller protest with a few hundred people was also held in Menorca.
The protesters are calling for stricter regulations on holiday accommodation and property ownership, with a focus on limiting purchases by non-residents and controlling the use of rental properties for tourism. They are advocating for more sustainable tourism practices to preserve the local environment and make housing more affordable for residents.
Tourism is a significant driver of the Balearic Islands’ economy, accounting for 45% of the region’s gross domestic product. However, the influx of tourists has led to concerns about rising housing costs, overcrowding, and environmental impact.
Similar protests have taken place in other popular tourist destinations in Spain, such as Ibiza and the Canary Islands, where residents are also calling for limits on tourist arrivals and stricter regulations on holiday rentals and hotel construction.
As the debate over mass tourism continues, residents and authorities are grappling with finding a balance between economic growth and preserving the local culture and environment.