Thousands of protesters will gather in Palma on Saturday to protest against the negative impacts of mass tourism on Majorca, including housing affordability, overcrowded beaches, blocked roads, and environmental degradation. Similar protests in other Canary Islands and Ibiza reflect growing frustration and calls for reforms to strike a balance between tourism benefits and local well-being.
Thousands of protesters are expected to gather in Palma, Majorca’s capital, on Saturday evening to voice concerns over mass tourism and its impacts on the island. The protest is organized by Banc de Temps de Sencelles and the campaign “Majorca is not for sale” and will start at 7 PM. The movement follows similar protests last month in Tenerife and other Canary Islands, along with recent demonstrations in Ibiza.
Protesters aim to highlight issues such as housing affordability, overcrowded beaches, blocked roads, and environmental degradation attributed to the rising number of tourists. The local government has been urged to increase public transport options to accommodate those attending the protest.
In response to similar sentiments, Ibiza saw a protest on Friday night organized by Prou Eivissa, with demonstrators calling for a limit on the number of summer vehicles and an end to taxpayer-funded tourism promotions. Ibiza’s recent measures to curb rowdy behavior include increased fines for street drinking and restrictions on party boats.
The Balearic Islands, which include Majorca and Ibiza, attracted nearly 18 million tourists last year, with a 15% increase in bookings expected this year. The Balearic Government has initiated discussions on new tourism models to address the concerns raised by residents, although significant changes are not anticipated for the next few years. The push for these reforms reflects growing local frustration and calls for a balance between tourism benefits and negative impacts on daily life.
