The march gathered in Plaça Espanya around six and made its way to the Born, where a manifesto against massification and the tourism economic monoculture was read out. There were speeches on behalf of the group against the Llucmajor-Campos road development, the Palma movement Ciutat per aqui habita, and the hotel chambermaids association (Las Kellys), who received the loudest applause of all.
Some fifty or so associations and organisations participated in what was a peaceful rally and demo. There was no evidence of any antagonism towards tourists as such. There was also a strong police presence, as there had been for much of the day in Palma because of the visit of Mariano Rajoy.
Margalida Ramis of GOB, one of the main forces behind the march, had said beforehand that the demonstration was not against the government or individual ministers, such as Biel Barceló. But the government was perhaps needing a "push" in adopting "more courageous measures" in tackling the excessive dependence on tourism.
Apart from a wish for greater economic diversification, principal issues for the demonstrators were the major increase in holiday rentals and the resultant impact on accommodation and housing, the increase in hire cars and the consequently high levels of traffic, and the precarious nature of employment in the tourism industry.
The government, for its part, argues that measures have already been adopted in its drive towards sustainable tourism, one of these being the holiday rentals legislation.
13 comments
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Now that the English papers have picked up on the demo and egg throwing at tourist coaches I think you will find that the number of English tourist will drop. I have read the comments of the readers, one family has cancelled their two holidays for next year to Mallorca!! and many others are saying they will spend their hard earned money in other countries that welcome them. Be careful what you wish for Mallorca as it could all end in tears.
What I cannot fathom out from all this debate is what Mallorca will do to replace the tourism. If they believe that they can build an alternative economy, exactly what goods and services will they develop? The island has very basic infrastructure and making any goods in volume its going to require investment in equipment, training, delivery mechanisms etc. The climate is good for agriculture but as we know in UK, the wages are poor for the labourers and Mallorca could not get any economies of scale with the land area being so small. Technology businesses also require huge investment and a good pool of high quality employees. Things like very effective transport links will be required plus buildings and equipment. Who is going to open a new "silicon valley" in Mallorca when it takes 5 hours to clear immigration? It really comes back to tourism and maybe developing a better standard of product with 5 star hotels open 365 days pa, better quality restaurants and flights that work on time.
Colin F, The way things are going I can see violence on the streets before too long, it will only take one incident to kick it off. We come on holiday to relax and unwind, but we have to keep alert due to the terrorist situation , now on top of that we have the locals telling us to get out, go home,stay away etc. This is not what I and many others want when we go away. Im lucky being retired I can go on holiday anytime and anywhere I can afford, but I do not want to go to where Im not wanted and going to be forever looking over my shoulder waiting for some hothead to kick off. I do feel for the locals who want tourists and welcome us, and those employed in the tourist industry across the board, but sorry this once welcoming, friendly Island is no longer for me!
Worth remembering that train/metro services were almost halved, and the buses that haven’t caught fire have also had their services reduced. The roads are oversaturated for much of the day, but removing public transport has impacted residents and tourists.
I have been a regular visitor to Mallorca since the 1960s, and I can understand the frustrations of a small island, with many tourists than there used to be, but I am afraid you cannot have Your cake and eat it. It was the Spanish that opened up Mallorca I n the first place, catering for package holidays, and building a huge airport to handle it. maybe it is time to say adios Mallorca, And thanks for the memories.
We have noticed a huge growth in villa rentals over the past 5 years that has probably contributed to the problem. The rental market is uncontrolled by Government approval and its impact on services therefore unknown. Logically, once all the hotel rooms are let, then the tourist industry business model will earn its expected return on investment. They built the hotels, so they knew what volume of tourism could be expected and, hopefully, was wanted. Unfortunately, rentals then add to these planned numbers and the impacts on water, sewage, car hire, supermarkets etc etc. Would it not be simple to control the volume of tourism by regulating all forms of accommodation? Then Government can decide what level is acceptable and sustainable. Whilst I respect all the comments received so far, Mallorca is now getting too busy.
Have been living the summers in Mallorca for the past 12 years..I am dissapointed with what i saw this past summer . I see a difference in more of the local population towards outsiders from other countries. Used to be the friendliest place in the world. I remember Mallorca in the 1980's when i first came. trying to regulate when people come to visit and when or if they can drive a rental car is insane! I have noticed a arrogance also that never was prevalent here.The Madeiras are starting to look great.
L - you are letting a very number of people dictate your life, you should in fact be proud to stand up to these people and continue to holiday in Mallorca and support the vast majority who welcome you. You will no doubt find wherever you go that there will be people who do not welcome you or only welcome your money, so good luck in your search for the Holiday Utopia.
Well I have done what the demonstrators want, I have just cancelled my two holidays to Majorca for next year. I really feel sorry for the people who want us tourists to visit and spend our monies. I for one shall not return in the future. The last thing I need on holiday is to feel like an intruder and an unwanted person, me and my money will be welcomed somewhere else. Bye Bye Majorca.
Please all airlines - stop booking slots for 2019. All tour companies - do not renew your hotel contracts in 2019. Vacate quickly and abruptly. Let the holiday season be very quiet.Begin a self made recession in Mallorca. They will be happy as they will be able to drive freely on their roads and have lots of space on their beaches. I feel sorry for all the owners of businesses as they will still have to pay their Fijo staff, whether making money or not. There businesses and investments and savings will be lost. What a sorry state of affairs.