Tourists at Palma airport

Tourists at Palma airport. | FRANCISCO UBILLA

Anna NicholasPalma02/08/2024 09:26
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Now that the dust has temporarily settled after a series of anti-tourism demonstrations in Mallorca, one has to wonder what will come next. As we enter the hottest month of the season, there’s a chance that campaigners might flag somewhat and take a break from beating the drum. All the same, the regional government urgently needs to resolve matters and that will hopefully come with its promised new tourism model for the Baleares.

Much as those working in tourism have been furious about the potentially detrimental effects of the demos, the point is that important issues were broached such as: illegal tourist rentals, excess of legitimate rental properties and cruise ships, and above all, a desperate need for local housing.
I feel that poor old tourists have been caught in the crossfire. The key issue here is lack of affordable housing and soaring property prices and rentals. All of us are to blame for this and that includes locals themselves who have profited well from house and land sales to investors and foreigners, and summer lets.

Of course, the sustainability of the islands is crucial too and this is why if we have increased footfall year on year, natural resources will be compromised further and soon we will have a major problem on our hands. The island needs tourism like a fish craves water, but we also need balance and perspective about the long-term sustainability of all the islands both for locals and those of us who are fulltime residents.

Overtourism, lack of affordable housing, a sharp rise in the cost of living, and subsequent environmental wear and tear, have become global issues. We are not alone. However, the Balearic government must now show its people that it has developed a positive tourism action plan with real experts – hopefully some external - that it will implement in the coming months.

After a summer of discontent, the tourism industry will be braced for a potential downturn in visitors in 2025. Regardless of whether this happens or not, we need strong leadership now and realistic solutions to keep all parties happy. In other words, we need a simple and sustainable tourism plan that keeps th economy of the island buoyant without compromising the lifestyle and happiness of its people.