Mallorca in revolt: 8,000 protesters demand less tourism!

Mallorca in revolt: 8,000 protesters demand less tourism!

In Palma de Mallorca, locals' anger over mass tourism erupted last weekend. Around 8,000 people demonstrated against the escalating number of visitors and the associated problems under the motto “Menys turisme, més vida” (“Less tourism, more life”). The protest march led from Plaça d’Espanya to the Passeig del Born promenade. The participants chanted slogans like “If you love Mallorca, don’t destroy it!” and called for an urgently needed turnaround in tourism.

The protests were aimed not only at the regional and national governments, but also directly at the tourists themselves. Some of the demonstrators sprayed holidaymakers with water guns to draw attention to the critical situation. According to leisure economist Anna Burton, the legal framework for mass tourism on the island is under criticism. She emphasizes that there needs to be a balance between the economic gains from tourism and minimizing social and environmental costs in order to maintain the quality of life of locals.

Growing tourist flows and their consequences

The Balearic Islands are expecting a record number of visitors of over 20 million tourists in 2025, an increase of over 5 million compared to the previous year. There are already high numbers of around 13.5 million tourists in 2024. The German clientele represents the largest group, with over 5 million arrivals and an increase of 9% compared to 2023, when 3 million Germans already spent time on the island. Tourists spent a total of 22.4 billion euros in the Balearic Islands, an increase of 12% compared to last year.

But the massive increases also have disadvantages. High rents, limited living space, garbage and noise are just some of the problems that are exacerbated by tourism. The protesters are not only demanding a limit on the number of visitors, but also a moratorium on cruises and an end to tourist rentals. Jaume Pujol, spokesman for the umbrella initiative, criticized the regional government's ignorance since similar protests broke out in July 2024.

Measures to curb tourism

Drastic measures have already been taken in other European cities affected by mass tourism. Cities like Barcelona and Venice have established strict rules and bans. In Barcelona, ​​for example, there are plans to ban 10,000 short-term rental properties by 2028. In Venice, tourists have to pay an entrance fee during high season and large tour groups are no longer allowed. Similar regulations could also be discussed in Mallorca in order to maintain social and ecological balance.

• Einige mögliche Maßnahmen zur Beschränkung des Tourismus sind:
• Tickets für Tagesbesucher
• Obergrenzen für touristische Betten
• Marketingkampagnen für nachhaltigen Tourismus
• Erhöhte Tourismusabgaben oder -steuern

Anna Burton's arguments that closing regions for a year does not make sense underline the need to find thoughtful solutions. The example of Barcelona shows that the pressure on cities from tourists remains unbroken, and a rethink is urgently needed to protect the identity and quality of life of locals.

While the Balearic Islands expect record-breaking visitor numbers, it remains to be seen how the protest movement in Palma will affect regional and national decision-makers. The demonstrators' goal remains clear: a sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism policy that also takes into account the needs of the local population.

How Mercury reports, the need to balance tourism profits against social and environmental costs could lead to fundamental changes in the approach to tourism in the Balearic Islands in the near future. Questions about yield maximization may also be raised in other affected regions of Europe.

The situation in Mallorca remains tense and calls for a significant reduction in tourist flows are louder than ever. The balance must be found between economic success and the needs of local people.

Further details about the protest and the background can be found in the report by daily news be removed.