‘Acts of hate’ against tourists will not be tolerated, says Balearic tourism minister
“Acts of hate” towards tourists will not be tolerated, the Balearic Islands tourism minister has warned, as he urged holidaymakers to ignore the protests against them and continue to visit to the Spanish archipelago.
About 20,000 protesters filled the streets of the Majorcan capital Palma last Sunday to demonstrate against mass tourism with posters apparently aimed at British and German visitors.
One banner, written in English, read: “Take Back Your Drunks, Give Back Our Homes”.
Another poster, mocking England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final, read: “The only thing coming home is you”, with a picture of England defender Kieran Trippier.
A similar sign had been made up for German visitors, whose team were also beaten by Spain in the tournament.
Majorca’s population of fewer than 1 million people has been dwarfed by surging tourist arrivals over the years, which reached a record 17.8 million in 2023.
British and German tourists, who make up the top two arrival markets, have been at the sharp end of anger over what locals say are rising house prices and congested beaches caused by overtourism.
As the protests take a distinctly nastier turn with tourists being jeered in the street on at least one occasion, officials have moved to limit any long-term damage to its vital industry.
“The Balearic government respects all types of demonstrations if they take place peacefully. We reject any type of vandalism or hate messages,” Jaume Bauzá, the Balearic Islands’ regional tourism minister told The Telegraph.
His warning came as thousands of British tourists headed for Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca for the summer holidays.
“In the case of last Sunday’s demonstration, we understand that these acts were isolated and do not represent the bulk of the people who took to the streets, who did so peacefully and respectfully with residents and visitors,” Mr Bauzá added.
Anti-tourism sentiment has been bubbling in Europe for a while. It has come to a head recently as activists embolden others in cities also creaking under the weight of excessive visitation.
Protests have been held this year in Barcelona, Palma, Malaga and the Canary Islands, with demonstrators claiming holidaymakers drive up housing costs and force the eviction of local people who cannot afford to live in their own cities.
Mr Bauzá said all tourists were welcome in the islands as long as they behaved themselves “in a civil manner”.
He sought to calm fears that tourists might be at risk if they travelled to the Balearic Islands. “The only thing we ask is that those who visit us behave in a civil manner. There may be more demonstrations but in no case will they pose a danger to anyone,” he said.
Pere Joan Femenia, of Menys Turisme, Mas Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), which organised Sunday’s protest, told The Telegraph: “What we want is to change the tourism model which is overwhelming the island. We cannot live here because house prices are so high. Beaches are swamped by tourists and public services are under incredible strain.”
The 25-year-old student said protesters want a ban on foreign nationals who don’t have residency, including Britons, owning properties on the island because, he said, this made buying properties impossible for local people.