Spain’s holiday hotspot sees decrease in tourism following anti-tourism protests

Magaluf, a popular Spain holiday destination for UK tourists, was surprisingly quiet this Bank Holiday Monday, raising concerns among local business owners. Typically bustling with tourists by the start of June, the town’s beaches and bars were noticeably empty on May 27, with vacant sunbeds and tables lining the streets.

The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that some business owners expressed unease about the lack of visitors, while others insisted that weekends were still busy. This comes on the heels of recent protests in Palma, where demonstrators called for immediate action to address the island’s housing crisis and tourist overcrowding.

Organizers of the protest vowed to continue their efforts until the government takes action, with one stating, “This has only just begun. If the reality is denied and still no measures are taken, we will take to the streets until they act.” While the group emphasized that they are not against tourism, they stressed the need to rethink the current tourism model.

The protests have led some British tourists to reconsider their travel plans, with one online commenter warning, “They should be careful what they wish for.” Another suggested, “Stop going to Spain for 12 months and they will be begging us to come back.”

As the debate over tourism in Majorca continues, it remains to be seen how the local government will address the concerns raised by both residents and visitors alike.