Spain experiences record tourism numbers despite local protests: British tourists lead visits to Ibiza and Canary Islands | Birmingham Live

Holidaymakers heading to Mallorca are in for a rough time as anti-tourist protests are set to disrupt the island. Thousands are expected to take to the streets in Palma on Saturday evening, expressing their frustration with the overwhelming influx of tourists.

Despite Spain’s tourism sector experiencing a record-breaking first quarter with 16.1 million visitors, tensions are escalating among local residents. The surge in tourism, particularly from the UK, has led to protests aimed at sending a clear message that the island “can’t take any more.”

Residents are demanding a balance between residents and tourists, calling for limits on incoming vehicles and incentives for hoteliers to reduce capacity. The upcoming protest on May 24, organized by Prou Eivissa, follows similar demonstrations in the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Madrid.

Last month, environmental groups like WWF and Greenpeace joined the protests in the Canary Islands, highlighting the impact of mass tourism on the environment. With 3 million tourists visiting Ibiza annually, residents are feeling the strain and are determined to make their voices heard.

Tourist spending in Spain reached €21.948 billion in the first quarter of 2024, with each visitor spending an average of €1,363. As the half-term holidays approach, tourists are being warned about potential disruptions due to ongoing protests.

The clash between the booming tourism industry and local residents’ concerns is a growing issue in popular destinations like Mallorca. As protests continue, the future of tourism in Spain remains uncertain.