Balearic Islands could be hit by anti-tourism protests this summer
The Balearic Islands are preparing for potential anti-tourism protests this summer as residents express dissatisfaction with government measures addressing overcrowding.
The Balearic Islands, specifically Majorca, are bracing for another wave of anti-tourism protests, as a local group called Menys Turisme Més Vida plans to mobilize residents amidst frustrations over overtourism. With millions of British tourists visiting the islands each year, local residents are advocating for restrictions on visitor numbers and expressing dissatisfaction with the Balearic Government’s sustainability pact, which they view as ineffective in managing tourist influx.
The group's upcoming assembly on February 20 aims to address these growing concerns and discuss potential actions, reinforcing their stance that grassroots organization is necessary to combat the ongoing issues. Margalida Ramis, a representative from the environmental organization GOB, has indicated that the increasing numbers of tourists have exacerbated local challenges, leading to a decline in quality of life for residents.
As the summer season approaches, it remains to be seen how these protests might affect tourism and local economic dynamics. The calls for sustainable tourism practices and limits on visitor numbers reflect broader global discussions about the balance between tourism’s economic benefits and the need to preserve local communities and environments against the backdrop of overtourism.