28 June 2024 , 09:59
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Balearic authorities in Spain, met this week to discuss the issues of overtourism as the islands "no longer feel visited, but invaded".
On June 27, key authorities, experts, hoteliers and environmentalists met to discuss the increasing issue of overtourism on the Balearic islands including Majorca and Ibiza. Concerns were raised over the scale of overtourism, the causes and the possible solutions.
Pedro Mas Bergas, the Council of Majorca's director for tourism governance and sustainability, revealed at the meeting that "right now we no longer feel visited, but invaded".
The next protest will take place on July 21 (The Daily Mirror)He also pointed out that part of the problem was due to residents inviting family and friends to stay with them — something that he admitted was previously overlooked.
Marga Prohens, president of the Balearic Government, said that the islands have "lost the social profitability of tourism. We can no longer grow in volume. It is essential to listen to the citizens."
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The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that Fernando Valledares, a professor at Spain’s National Research Council, said: "A society that is exasperated or grumbling will do us no good."
Environmentalist Margalida Ramis added that "one of the most reliable indicators of saturation on the islands is the discomfort on the streets".
The meeting comes after weeks of protests on the islands, as locals have told tourists to "go home". Local residents have complained that visitors to islands are causing rising prices for rental properties, damaging the environment and behaving in a disorderly and drunken manner.
One of the multiple protests to have taken place saw hundreds of protesters take over one of the island's most popular beaches.
Just this week Juan Antonio Amengual, mayor of Magaluf, warned Brits that Majorca is not their amusement part, and that the islands are now trialling a new scheme which will see a ban on street drinking and restrictions on late night sales of alcohol until 2028.
The next protest will take place on July 21 in Palma, Majorca.
“It’s time to take to the streets, get organised and stand up for real change, to stop the impacts of the current tourism and economic model," said the organisers of the protest. "We want a change of course to guarantee the rights of all people and the respect and protection of natural spaces, of our land and our villages."
Protestors are demanding access to decent housing, an end to property speculation, gentrification and neighbourhood eviction, improvements to public services, decent and well-paid job opportunities, conservation of natural areas and respect of their culture and language.
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