Warning Issued as Angry Locals Block Streets in Mallorca Due to Tourism

Thousands Protest in Spain’s Balearic Islands Over Mass Tourism

In a powerful display of frustration, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Spain’s Balearic Islands to voice their concerns over mass tourism. Posters reading “SOS Residents” and “Enough Mass Tourism” were held high as demonstrators marched through Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the largest Balearic Island.

According to a police spokesperson, about 10,000 people participated in the protest in Palma de Mallorca, with additional demonstrations in Menorca and Ibiza. The protesters are calling for stricter regulations on holiday accommodation and property ownership, citing the negative impact of tourism on the local economy and housing market.

Tourism currently accounts for 45% of the islands’ gross domestic product, but many residents feel that the influx of tourists has led to a rise in housing costs and a decrease in affordable housing options for locals. Protesters are demanding a shift towards more sustainable tourism practices and a limit on new tourist developments.

The protest comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Palma de Mallorca, where a two-storey restaurant building collapsed on the beach, resulting in the deaths of two German tourists, a Spanish waitress, and a Senegalese man. The accident, which also left 16 Dutch tourists injured, is believed to have been caused by excessive weight on the terrace of the Medusa Beach Club.

As the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of the collapse, the protests in the Balearic Islands serve as a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding mass tourism and the need for sustainable solutions to protect both residents and visitors alike.