UK tourists planning to visit Majorca are being cautioned about upcoming protests against overtourism set for Sunday, June 15. As local residents express their frustrations over the soaring figures of visitors and the resultant strain on the island's infrastructure, demonstrators will gather in Plaça Espanya at 6pm. The protests are part of a broader movement taking place across popular Spanish destinations, including Ibiza and Menorca, and are organised by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification.

This year's protests echo those held during the same season last year, when similar concerns were raised by the group Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life). Highlighting issues like overcrowding, housing shortages, and environmental degradation, the group argues that the boom in tourism is detrimental to the local way of life. In a statement shared online, they condemned the Balearic government's focus on attracting wealthy tourists and the accompanying billion-dollar developments, while local housing problems remain unresolved. The protests anticipated for this summer aim to amplify these messages, with estimates suggesting participation from approximately 60 groups, trade unions, and environmental organisations.

The impact of tourism on local communities is significant; tourism accounts for about 45% of the Balearic Islands' economy, making it both a vital and burdensome industry. A protest in May 2024 saw around 10,000 people march in Palma, demanding limits on property purchases by non-residents and better control over holiday accommodations. These concerns were echoed in other regions such as the Canary Islands, where similar protests were held over the rising cost of living attributed to mass tourism.

While demonstrators are advocating for sustainable tourism practices, the Balearic Islands’ tourism minister cautioned against any "acts of hate" towards tourists, urging visitors to maintain their holiday plans despite the protests. This sentiment aims to balance the necessity of tourism for the local economy with the legitimate grievances of residents facing the adverse effects of such high visitor numbers. The minister emphasised that enhancing the tourists' experience should not come at the expense of local communities.

Majorca's residents are not opposed to tourism per se; rather, they wish for it to be managed in a way that respects the local culture and environment. As articulated in recent social media posts, locals want to share their heritage and natural beauty with visitors but are calling for a more sustainable approach that does not compromise their identity. The protests this June will serve as a platform for a continued dialogue on finding a balance between tourism and livability for those who call the islands home.

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Source: Noah Wire Services