Protests in Balearic Islands Against Mass Tourism

Thousands of residents in Spain's Balearic Islands have taken to the streets, voicing their frustration over the impact of mass tourism.

On Saturday, around 10,000 demonstrators marched through Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the largest Balearic Island, holding signs that read "SOS Residents" and "Enough Mass Tourism." A police spokesperson confirmed the turnout. Smaller protests were also held in Menorca and Ibiza, with about 1,000 protesters gathering in Ibiza on Friday.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Balearic Islands' economy, generating 45% of the region's gross domestic product, according to Exceltur, an industry organization.

Protest organizer Carme Reines called for stricter regulations on property purchases and holiday accommodations, suggesting a ban on property purchases for those who have not lived in the area for more than five years. Real estate agent Javier Carbonell noted that over half of the rental properties are allocated for holiday rentals, making them unaffordable for locals.

Carbonell and other protesters are advocating for a shift from mass tourism to more sustainable tourism. The Balearic Islands, the second most popular region in Spain for tourists after Catalonia, welcomed 14.4 million visitors last year, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute.

Rafael Gimenez, a spokesperson for Prou Ibiza, emphasized the need to limit new tourist accommodations and ban illegal rentals, arguing that the oversupply of flats is driving up prices. Similar sentiments were expressed in April during protests in the Canary Islands, where residents demanded a temporary cap on tourist arrivals to curb the rising costs of short-term holiday rentals and new hotel constructions.

These protests could lead to significant changes for future travelers to the Balearic Islands. Authorities might implement stricter controls on holiday accommodations and property purchases, potentially reducing the number of available tourist rentals. Travelers could face higher accommodation costs and might need to plan further in advance to secure a place to stay. There may also be increased emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, which could mean fewer large-scale tourist developments and more eco-friendly travel options.