The idyllic image of Mallorca was hurt last summer by a series of angry anti-tourist protests, with around 20,000 locals hitting the streets, promoting rent and overcrowding. This year appears to set the stage for more protests as activists prepare for what they call another “summer of dissatisfaction.”
Group Menisturism, Mes Vida (Tourism, More Life) coordinates important gatherings this weekend To plot strategies ahead of the tourist season, which is projected to break new records for the Balearic Islands. Strong issues such as deepening the housing crisis, unemployment rates, and the harmful effects of tourism on the environment are on the agenda..
In a fiery statement, the organization has balairic to prioritize profits over residents' well-being after seeing the government's new tourism campaign, announcing a billion dollar investment, and a boom in property speculation and gorgeous tourism. I was planning to become a leader. , it is clear that the policy only supports land liberalization and business interests. ”
The group criticised previous attempts to promote sustainable tourism as ineffective, and these initiatives controlled visitor influx and curbed short-term permit surges. claimed that many locals had failed to price them from the housing market. Last year alone, tourists have descended to Marolca in an unprecedented number, exceeding 15 million.
The anti-tourism movement in the Balearic and Canary Islands is gaining momentum, with both island groups tailoring the power to tackle the problems caused by the large influx of visitors. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, they work with the law to address issues such as illegal real estate rentals and overcrowding in popular areas.
The move comes after a wave of protests across Spain over the negative effects of overtourism. However, it remains to be seen whether the new law will effectively address local concerns.
Despite existing measures such as tourism taxes and short-term vacation registration requirements, around 2 million Balearic visitors last year have circumvented these restrictions by staying at unregistered accommodations, and government It is estimated that revenues will be lost and exacerbated overcrowded people. problem.
A travel expert commented: “Not only is the Balearic government losing a large amount of revenue, it appears that tourists staying in their apartments on holiday are becoming more and more crowded.”
But the labyrinth of regulations for Britons traveling to post-Brexit and post-pandemic Spain has complex issues for many.
One of the UK's Holiday Homeowners said: You can be sure that my children, their friends, and my extended family and friends will allow me to stay there. ”
