The sheer wave of tourists I had to try and navigate my way through was just overwhelming. | Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter
Palma18/10/2024 09:40
I have lived in the centre of Palma for the best part of 30 years and last Saturday I had never ever felt so uncomfortable trying to wander round the city; it was claustrophobic. It was only 5pm but there were four cruise ships in port and, according to the latest tourism figures, a sizeable number of early low season visitors, but the sheer wave of tourists I had to try and navigate my way through was just overwhelming. I never thought I’d say it, but I’m on the next anti-mass tourism march.
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Who do you think buys stuff from the street sellers? It's not locals so I'll let you work it out!
This has really struck a chord with me, and I wholeheartedly agree with every point made. The current situation in Palma is not only unfair to tourists who expect a more enjoyable experience, but especially to the local shop owners who are doing everything by the book—paying their taxes, maintaining their businesses, and trying to make an honest living—while illegal street traders operate right in front of them with zero consequences. What’s worse is that this isn’t just a problem in Palma; it’s widespread across the tourist resorts as well. Everywhere you go, these traders are selling fake goods, undermining local businesses that are playing by the rules. It’s disheartening to see hardworking individuals being put at such a disadvantage in their own city and holiday destinations. If only the MDB would take these concerns seriously as a central focus over the winter period—raising awareness and pushing for real, actionable change. Palma and the resorts are beautiful places, but they desperately need stronger enforcement and more effective control over both port activity and illegal street trading. The authorities need to step up if they want to ensure the sustainability of tourism and protect the livelihoods of local businesses.