Reckless Driving Incident and Rising Anti-Tourism Sentiments in Majorca

A recent reckless driving incident involving British tourists near Palma airport in Majorca has highlighted the escalating anti-tourism sentiments in the region. The event, captured on camera, is just one of the growing number of conflicts between tourists and locals amidst protests against rising rental costs and housing shortages.

Reckless Driving Incident and Rising Anti-Tourism Sentiments in Majorca

On April 19, near Palma airport in Majorca, a group of British tourists were involved in a dramatic chase and collision. The incident, captured on camera, revealed that the tourists’ car was pursued onto a motorway and forced onto the hard shoulder by an aggressive driver. Despite trying to escape by reversing up an on-ramp, the attacker continued to follow and rammed into their car. The Guardia Civil reported that the conflict originated from an argument at the Son Oms industrial estate. The aggressor is now under investigation for reckless driving and damages.

This unsettling event occurs amidst growing anti-tourism protests in Majorca and other Spanish regions. On May 27, an estimated 15,000 locals protested in Palma demanding government action to address the housing crisis and excessive tourism. Demonstrators carried banners with slogans like "Mallorca is not for sale" and "Go home tourists." The protests focus on rising rental costs and the conversion of family homes to holiday rentals, which locals argue exacerbates housing shortages.

Amidst these tensions, Majorca’s popular tourist areas reported fewer visitors than expected for the season. Businesses in Magaluf, typically crowded in late May, observed a noticeable decline in tourists, raising concerns about the impact of the anti-tourism movement on local economies. Organizers of the protests have vowed to continue until the government takes significant measures to address their concerns.

Tourism represents a substantial portion of the Balearic Islands' economy. Nonetheless, the increasing unrest suggests a need for balancing tourism benefits with locals' quality of life and sustainable development.