Thousands of anti-tourism protesters paraded through Majorca’s streets this weekend, jeering at foreign visitors in what is just the first of many planned demonstrations by activist groups.
Large Turnout in Palma
An estimated 15,000 locals joined the protest that wound through the capital, Palma, eventually reaching Weyler Square, where tourists were enjoying dinner and drinks.
Marchers chanted “Tourists go home” and carried banners with messages like “Salvem Mallorca, guiris arruix,” which means “Let’s save Majorca, foreigners out” in Catalan.
Impact on Local Housing
The protest was organized by Banc del Temps, a group from Sencelles, which is upset about locals struggling to afford homes due to high prices driven by holiday rentals.
After the protest, Banc del Temps spokesman Javier Barbero warned that this was just the beginning and that they would continue protesting until action is taken.
Call for Government Action
Another campaign group praised the protest organizers as heroes and demanded urgent government action.
They called for a meeting with Balearic Islands’ government president Marga Prohens to present their demands.
These include a proposal that only people who have lived in the Balearic Islands for five years should be able to buy property.
Personal Stories Highlight the Crisis
Mother-of-three Patri Vecina shared her story of being forced to move out of her rented home after the landlord decided to sell the property to foreigners.
She highlighted the difficulties locals face in affording homes due to the high prices driven by tourism.
Rising Property Prices
The spike in property prices has been attributed to foreign investors turning family homes into holiday rentals.
Laura Lau from Banc del Temps emphasized the need for awareness and government regulation to address the housing crisis in Majorca.
Impact on Local Economy
Teacher Marga Gari expressed concerns about the high cost of living driven by tourism, making it difficult for her children to afford their own homes.
She called for limits on the number of planes, cruise ships, and rental cars to reduce the impact of tourism on local life.
Broader Protests Across the Islands
This weekend’s protest in Majorca was the largest since last month’s demonstrations in the Canary Islands.
In Ibiza, around 1,000 protesters gathered to express their frustration with mass tourism and its effects on the island.
Anti-Tourist Sentiment
Anti-tourist graffiti has appeared in both Majorca and Tenerife.
Some foreign holidaymakers have shown support for the issues raised by campaigners, while others accuse them of biting the hand that feeds them.
Future Actions Planned
Campaign groups are planning more radical protests, including potential mass gatherings outside hotels or at iconic beaches.
There is also talk of an airport protest to disrupt tourism during the peak season.
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