But the Hoteliers Federation said that the government should be doing more to crackdown on illegal holiday rentals and claimed that this unlicensed offer was behind the "tourism saturation" which was being felt by many people on the island. They claimed that over the last few years more than 90,000 more illegal holiday places had come on the market.
Anti mass tourism march in Palma
Hundreds of people are marching through the streets calling for an end to mass tourism in Mallorca.
Balearic government praises organisers of anti mass tourism march, British media says their tone was out of line
20,000 people marched through the streets of Palma
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25 comments
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This tourism thing is a blip, pretty soon the protestors who work in the tourism industry or are jobless agitators will be regretting the BS then the pushback will start when other places hire non-Spanish in their tourism industry. I can't wait to see the protests then. I agree over-tourism is a problem, but seems like the source is the authorities like the story on the first column of the daily bulletin
clare cairnsWell if it’s only July and August. Then that’s an easy fix. Take out beds and flight landing slots, during those months. The government can do that with airports restrictions say 7am to 7pm only operating times. But I don’t think those visitors buy property, hire cars or ride bicycles or even leave the tourists compound. As I’ve said before based on visiting the islands since 75. The incomes of the majority are inadequate to live in what is now a high cost place. Particularly property. My pal Juan who lives in the centre of the island, said 10% above the mainland 20yrs ago. And it’s way more that that now I think.
David HollandBut the cyclists all year round are welcome. It is the insane numbers of tourists in July and August who come for sun and cheap alcohol, and who stay in all inclusive hotels, or come on cruises. They are the problem. It is pathetic to blame Air BnB tourists. They spend in supermarkets and restaurants.
Charlie CoolReally stupid comment. Spain is not f*****. Like everywhere else in Europe the residents have had enough of cheap mass tourism. We don't need you and we don't want you. Y punto.
TeemuVanBastenActually, on the ground, there really isn't all that much tension, with the exception of the various protests organised by certain groups who are dissatisfied with the cost of living and housing. Some of that is well justified, but much of it is just emotion and misguided blame letting. The perception of extreme "tension" is mostly tabloid hyperbole. As shown here, British tabloids have shifted it from "anti-tourist" sentiment to "anti-british" sentiment, which naturally makes the hairs stand up on the necks of the historically ubernationalist native British population. But that's what sensationalism is all about. Luckily, the vast majority of visitors here don't consume British media and otherwise wouldn't be offended by any imaginary "anti-british" sentiment. And if Brits choose to leave in self-induced indignance, it will only affect the handful of British-dominant resorts, and besides, there's plenty of others who will be happy to take their place.
I didn't realise there was this much tension in Majorca, I have never been more, I've been to Minorca many years ago. I was due to come on holiday for a week with my wife and daughter in September, as a result of these protests I have phoned the travel provider and will be going to Madeira instead. Ultimately, I don't want to be anywhere that I'm not welcome.
Tawny TweacleActually the triathlon i really enjoyed, ok a bit noisy. The traffic was really bad in Deia that week so I can see the locals beef with that . Some very inconsiderate drivers. The events however are discretionary and optional. But do fetch in income off season. But most tourists stay in the tourist resorts and don’t buy houses or arrive on private jets. So if the complaints are real , it’s Majorca that has to fix it , not the people they invite to visit the island. Most of who come , spend and leave in 14 day.
David HollandBut the cyclists aren't "mass tourism". Admittedly they are a nuisance if you live in the campo or small villages as they take up the lanes, and the tables at cafes en mass, but come on, thats just a bit of a pain and hardly overcrowding. The positives outweigh the negatives as it brings in extra income during the low season. I do think, however, that for an island there are too many races where roads are closed for sometimes 2 days! One in the North and one in the South per year should be sufficient not to cause huge problems for residents. Again, they just got greedy and saw them as a cash cow. Quite amazing what a hold money has on weak souls!
tranq tranquerGood thing your comment wasn’t published on YouTube, as it would have been “disappeared” by now. On a more serious note, I can understand the family wanting to have their elders living nearer to them. Old age creeps on faster than one expects it to (or so I am told) and an unexpected fall can cause all sorts of problems when you live far away. It would mean, at the best of times, someone having to abandon their home and family (and job) to go and look after the person in need. Not an enviable situation for any of those concerned.
Mike EdwardsI was in deia in April when the cycle races were on . I heard many voices and observed many expensive bike. Brits , yanks , Italians , German . And many others. Now who exactly lured those people to the island. Closed roads and promotions to the sports world. Bit like the triathlon In Pagurea in October last. None of these activities would take place without organisation with the island government. The protesters should go to them to complain.