On Sunday, over 20,000 people in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, protested against mass tourism, raising concerns about the rising cost of housing. This protest is part of a growing movement in popular tourist spots like Barcelona, Malaga, and the Canary Islands.
In Palma, around 20,000 demonstrators marched through the city, demanding changes to the tourism model that they believe is harming the island. The protesters carried colorful flags and banners with messages like "Your luxury, our misery" and "This isn't tourismophobia, it's numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists."
The protest was organized by about 80 groups who want to limit excessive tourism in the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. They argue that the current tourism model overburdens public services, damages natural resources, and makes housing unaffordable for locals.
Organizers claimed 50,000 people joined the protest, but police estimated 20,000 participants, while the central government’s delegation in the islands reported 12,000.
Last year, the Balearic Islands saw a record 17.8 million visitors, with even more expected this year. In May, a similar mass protest took place across the islands, with many demanding limits on tourism under the slogan "Our islands are not for sale."
Architect and urban planning expert Jose Maria Ezquiaga suggested that tourist rental flats should require local residents' approval, similar to how hotels are regulated. Manuel de la Calle, an expert in tourism and business, proposed a tourist tax as a possible solution. He believes it wouldn't reduce the number of tourists but would generate funds to improve tourism management and support the local population.
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