Majorca is taking significant steps to address the mounting concerns regarding overtourism and its impact on local communities by planning to remove nearly 1,700 sun loungers from the beaches of Palma. This initiative, announced by the Palma council, aims to reduce sunbed availability by 20% by 2026, a decision rooted not only in addressing beach erosion but also in responding to residents' frustrations over escalating costs and limited access to public spaces.

Currently, Playa de Palma is heavily populated with 6,000 sunbeds and 2,503 umbrellas; this number will decrease to 4,436 loungers and 2,218 umbrellas. Other beaches are also affected: Cala Major will see a reduction from 300 to 250 loungers, Ciutat Jardi from 300 to 288, and Cala Stancia from 150 to 132. Even Can Pere Antoni Beach, under the management of a separate coastal protection agency, will experience a drop from 200 to 94 loungers. The decision reflects growing local demands for more accessible beach areas, allowing residents a greater opportunity to enjoy their environment without the burden of high rental costs associated with sun loungers and umbrellas.

This measure is part of a larger €300 million investment earmarked for the rejuvenation of Playa de Palma over the next decade, a plan that also includes a ban on the construction of new tourist hotels. Instead, existing establishments are required to either update their facilities or convert them into residential apartments. This initiative aims to foster a balance between tourism and local community needs, highlighting the increasing awareness among local authorities about the adverse effects of mass tourism.

Protests against overtourism have intensified across several popular tourist destinations in Southern Europe, with actions planned in locations such as Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona, and even as far as Venice and Lisbon. The Southern Europe Network Against Touristification (SET) is spearheading these protests, highlighting pressing issues like housing shortages and environmental degradation stemming from an influx of tourists. An open letter drafted by Majorcan anti-tourism activists earlier this year poignantly captured the sentiment of disenchantment among locals, urging tourists to reconsider their summer plans for the island. They asserted, “Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you,” reflecting a growing sentiment that tourism is eroding the very fabric of the community.

In a further attempt to modernise beach offerings and improve access, the Palma council has proposed the introduction of an online app by 2027 that will allow beachgoers to reserve sun loungers and umbrellas more conveniently. This shift aims to streamline operations while also ensuring fairer access to beach amenities, a move that many residents hope will alleviate the ongoing tensions surrounding tourism.

The decisions made by Palma's authorities underscore a critical turning point regarding how tourism is managed in Majorca. As local communities continue to voice their concerns, it appears that a recalibration of priorities may be underway — one that seeks to preserve the essence of Majorca while still accommodating visitors.

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Source: Noah Wire Services