Seven anti-tourism groups in Mallorca have written to the Majorca Daily Bulletin expressing alarm over tourism saturation, citing Majorca tourism’s recent presence at ITB Berlin and suggesting the island’s infrastructure is at breaking point.
Predictions for 2025 suggest a continuing rise in tourist numbers, worsening the current emergency caused by overcrowding.
In the letter, the groups draw a contrast between the quiet past of Majorcas and present challenges, ewhich they list as environmental and ecosystem deterioration, infrastructure issues, overwhelmed public services, transportation problems, loss of quality of life, gentrification, disproportionate increases in the cost of living, and a total lack of access to housing for the local population.
The letter cites statistics of tourism growth they say illustrate the growing burden on residents, with an annual average of 15 tourists per local contributing to infrastructure strains and environmental degradation.
The most prominent of the signatories, Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) declared at a meeting on February 15 in Manacor that it is to step up protests for 2025 against the issues of illegal property rentals and social inequality. Last year a series of protests by the group in the Balearics and Canaries was widely publicised across Europe.
In response, Spain’s government has introduced a new property tax aimed at non-EU buyers, as foreign investment is seen to exacerbate the housing affordability crisis affecting locals.
Amics de la Terra Mallorca is an environmental group affiliated to Friends of the Earth, Amigos de la Terra España and twinned with Amics de la Terra Eivissa.
Amics De La Vall De Coanegra is focused on the protection of the Coanegra Valley, as well as the Avenc de son Pou, along with the rest of the natural spaces and the recovery of public paths.”
Tour operators have started running excursions to the Coanegra Gorge, known for its stunning starting point featuring a magnificent 25-meter waterfall in a Mediterranean forest.
Alternativa Per Pollença desribes itself as a municipalist, assembly-based, anti-capitalist, and anti-patriarchal political party.”
The seven groups shared: Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you. The local population is angry and no longer hospitable because the land we love it’s being destroyed and many of us have to leave the island because it is uninhabitable. Put yourselves in our place. Signed:
- OS Residents
- Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life)
- GOB
- Gadma. Grup Amics De La Terra De Mallorca
- Alternativa Per Pollença
- Brunzit
- Amics De La Vall De Coanegra
