Press
It was probably the largest demonstration ever on Mallorca: thousands took to the streets of the Mediterranean island and rebelled against mass tourism.
Palma – Mountains of garbage, housing shortages and traffic chaos: Locals on Mallorca have been struggling with the Consequences of mass tourismThey’ve had enough of that now, especially at Ballermann. Thousands protested against excessive tourism in the streets of Palma on Saturday evening (May 25).
Protests against mass tourism in Mallorca: Largest rally ever
The protest took place under the slogan “Mallorca is not for sale”. According to police estimates, around 10,000 people took to the streets. The organizers spoke of 25,000 participants. “Tourists go home!” and “Where will my children live?” people shouted during the demonstration. The regional newspapers Mallorca Daily and Last Hour spoke of the largest demonstration ever held on the holiday island.
“In our neighbourhood, prices are unaffordable. You can’t buy anything for less than 700,000 euros. There are very few Mallorcans left. There isn’t a single Spaniard on my street,” complained a resident of the Gènova district to Last minute“The prices are exorbitant, it is very difficult for us to find anything at all,” said a local who lives in s’Arenal.
Not only families with children, students and pensioners took part in the protest. Trade unions, environmental groups and various citizens’ initiatives also joined in. The recently founded organization “Banc de Temps de Sencelles” called for this to happen, drawing attention to the consequences of mass tourism.
“Unsustainable”: Protests on Mallorca against mass tourism only just beginning
The recent protests were just the beginning. There have also been protests on the Canary Islands recently. If the Balearic government does not take action against the housing shortage, further demonstrations will follow, reported The island radio Mallorca citing the organizers. They also announced that they would shut down Palma airport.
The residents are not protesting against tourism per se, but rather against the effects of mass tourism. Only a minority benefits from this, while the majority of locals suffer from poorly paid jobs, housing shortages, traffic jams, noise and dirt. Even real estate agents, who actually profit from the high prices, are supporting the protesters. The pressure of mass tourism is “unsustainable” and housing is “inaccessible,” according to the real estate agent association Abini.
“We can understand it very well”: Travellers show understanding for Mallorca protests
Politicians also know that a change and a limitation of the flow of tourists is necessary. “The model has reached its limits,” said the acting regional president Marga Prohens. “Success in tourism does not lead to prosperity for the citizens.” Some holidaymakers also showed understanding. “We can very well understand that the people here have had enough, we saw the three cruise ships in the harbor, that would be too much for us too,” said a German traveler to the Mallorca NewspaperMost recently, the government banned public drinking at Ballermann.
The rally took place shortly after the collapse of a restaurant on Ballermann, which left four people dead – including two women from Germany. The cause is suspected to be construction defects and overloading. The locals are convinced that many of the buildings on the Playa are not designed for mass tourism. Meanwhile Italy is also fighting against mass tourism. (kas/dpa)
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