Residents of Majorca have intensified their protests against the surge in tourism, as frustrations over rising housing costs and the impact of foreign buyers continue to escalate. A campaign by local activists, particularly the group Banc del Temps de Sencells, is at the forefront of these protests, which aim to draw attention to the struggles of locals amidst a housing crisis exacerbated by the influx of tourists and expatriates.
In a recent video shared by the group, locals are seen marching through the streets of Majorca's old town clutching 'For Sale' signs, vocally expressing their discontent. "Over a year ago we shouted 'Majorca is not for sale. We weren't alone,'" a resident declared in the video. "But it hasn’t changed anything. In fact, things have gotten worse. Prices don’t stop going up. No one is doing anything to save us. We don’t want anyone else to be forced to move. We can’t accept this. We repeat... enough is enough! If not, in the end, no one will be left."
This sentiment underscores a growing consensus among locals who feel economically pressured by the increasing demand for housing driven by affluent tourists and foreign investors. The situation has led to urgent calls for action, as residents recount personal experiences of being forced to leave. One mother lamented the departure of families from her son’s class, stating: "In my son’s class, three families have already moved to the mainland." Another local described the helplessness of their situation: "The only thing I can do is watch and wait. Wait until it gets me too."
The protests follow a tumultuous summer last year during which Majorca and other Spanish tourist hotspots were engulfed in significant anti-tourism demonstrations. Thousands of locals took to the streets, demanding a reconsideration of the impact of mass tourism on local resources and housing availability. As the summer holiday season approaches, campaign groups like Banc del Temps Sencells are ensuring that their voices are heard once again, with predictions of increased protest activities.
In line with this movement, another group, Menys Turisme, Mes Vida, is scheduled to hold a meeting next month to strategise on advocating for reduced tourism in the area. This collective frustration arises from perceived failures by the Balearic government to address the ongoing housing crisis, which is compounded by rising levels of property speculation and luxury tourism developments.
In recent years, Majorca has seen tourist numbers soar, with over 15 million visitors reported in a single year alone. This exponential growth in tourism has not only strained local resources but has also sparked intense debates about the sustainability of the current tourism model in the Balearic Islands. As holidaymakers prepare to visit the island this summer, the underlying tensions and the potential for further protests remain high.
The protests have previously included a variety of methods to draw attention to the issues faced by locals, including marches and confrontational activities directed at the holidaymakers themselves. Reports from Spain’s other popular tourist destinations, including Barcelona and the Canary Islands, confirm that the anti-tourism sentiment has spread, with large numbers of residents participating in demonstrations against the impacts of mass tourism on their everyday lives.
With the new wave of protests, Majorca is poised for a summer of heightened awareness of the mounting pressures on local communities, as the residents continue to seek recognition and change regarding the effects of tourism on their homes and lives.
Source: Noah Wire Services