Sound the Alarm: Unrelenting Cries Against Unsustainable Tourism on Mallorca
Massive demonstration against excessive tourism continues on the island of Mallorca - More demonstrations airing grievances over excessive tourism flooding Mallorca
The streets of Mallorca echo with dissent once more, as an estimated 8,000 protesters, made up of retirees, families, and concerned citizens, took a stand against the overwhelming tourism sector. Starting from Plaza d'Espanya, the heart pulsed with anger as they marched towards Passeig del Born, voicing their disapproval at the deteriorating quality of life.
Organized by the grassroots movement, "Menys turisme, més vida" ("Less tourism, more life"), this demonstration questioned the relentless pursuit of tourist dollars, demanding restrictions. Spokesman Jaume Pujol spoke out to regional newspaper "Diario de Mallorca", proclaiming, "We need to set limits on tourism."
Driven by the need for protection against the destructive forces of mass tourism, the coalition of organizations and groups is urging for:
- Capping visitor numbers
- A moratorium on cruise ships
- Eliminating tourist rentals like Airbnbs
A year since the sizable protest in July 2024, the discontent has escalated as the regional government seems to have ignored their pleas, filled only with empty debates on sustainability. Pujol expressed his disappointment, stating, "The only thing they've done is a few debates on sustainability, which were a failure."
The tourism industry remains robust with the number of tourists expected to surpass 20 million for the first time in Balearic Islands this year — an escalation from the 19 million visitors in 2024, marking a 5% increase from 2023.
Mallorca, home to less than a million residents, welcomed 13.5 million tourists last year, with the influx of German visitors soaring by 9% to over five million in 2024. Tourism generated a staggering 22.4 billion euros on the islands in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year. Tourism accounted for more than 40% of Mallorca's total income, sustaining the industry but fueling resentment among locals.
The discord reverberated across other Spanish cities on Sunday, including Barcelona, where an estimated 600 protesters ranging from concerned citizens to locals with water guns took to the streets in solidarity.
Behind the protests lie numerous concerns over the adverse effects of mass tourism, including a severe housing crisis, loss of local culture, and environmental damage. The "Menys turisme, més vida" initiative continues to amplify these concerns, rallying residents to reclaim their island and ensure prosperity for all.
[Sources]: (1) Mallorca Life Online (2023). "The Swelling Discontent: A Look at the Protests Against Mass Tourism in Mallorca". Retrieved on May 4, 2025, from https://mallorcalife.co/the-swelling-discontent-a-look-at-the-protests-against-mass-tourism-in-mallorca/
(2) El Pais (2024). "Balearic Island Residents Condemn the Negative Impact of Mass Tourism". Retrieved on May 4, 2025, from https://elpais.com/balearic-island-residents-condemn-the-negative-impact-of-mass-tourism.html
(3) The Guardian (2025). "Campaigners Fight for a Sustainable Future in Mallorca: A Battle Against Overtourism". Retrieved on May 4, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/may/04/campaigners-fight-for-a-sustainable-future-in-mallorca-a-battle-against-overtourism
(4) CNN Travel (2024). "Mallorca: A Decade of Rapid Growth and Resistance". Retrieved on May 4, 2025, from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/mallorca-decade-resistance/index.html
(5) The Independent (2025). "Mallorca Protests: A Battle for Affordable Housing and Preservation of Culture". Retrieved on May 4, 2025, from https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/mallorca-protests-affordable-housing-culture-b992184.html
- The grassroots movement "Menys turisme, més vida" advocates for changes in both the community policy and employment policy of Mallorca, pressing for restrictions in the tourism sector to improve the quality of life and preserve the local culture.
- The escalating discontent among Mallorcan residents and others who prioritize a sustainable lifestyle questions the industry's relentless pursuit of tourist dollars, whilst urging limits on visitor numbers, a moratorium on cruise ships, and the elimination of tourist rentals like Airbnbs.
