25 May 2024 , 20:39
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Spanish anti-tourism protesters fed up with British holidaymakers last night staged the latest in a string of demos at hotspots.
Thousands took to Majorca’s streets clutching placards saying “SOS tourism” and “Tourism is eating us”. It came 24 hours after similar scenes in Ibiza, and in Tenerife last month.
Yesterday’s demo – in Majorca capital Palma – was planned by a group called Mallorca No Es Ven, which means “Majorca is not for sale”. Members say rowdy holidaymakers, mainly Brits and Germans, are hiking prices and driving locals out. They want a summer limit on vehicles and a ban on using taxpayer cash to promote the island as a party spot. One worried British holidaymaker said: “This is intimidating to ordinary people who have come for a holiday.”
Another said: “If this sort of thing continues, there won’t be many tourists left for them to complain about.”
The Prou Consell de Ibiza platform called a protest rally in front of the headquarters of the Consell de Ibiza against tourist overcrowding in Ibiza (Vicent Mari/SOLARPIX.COM)Protester Daniella, 28, a teacher whose mum hails from Preston, Lancs, said: “Over 40% of my wages go on rent. Tourism increases the price of everything from gas to food and taxes.”
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Pal Cati, 29, added: “We can’t drive any more to certain areas because there is nowhere to park.” But British expat Mitch Liebenberg, who works in the tourist industry in Ibiza, said: “They’re protesting their main source of income. What we need is to protest the government for not building the infrastructure to cope with the tourists.”
The Balearic Islands government, which is bidding to clamp down by banning booze sales at night and restricting party boats, said: “There is maximum respect for anyone who demonstrates freely and peacefully. We understand the discomfort among residents due to congestion situations.
“Tourists are still welcome, but we consider that the time has come to talk about containment and limits. We have formed the table for a social and political pact for the sustainability of the Balearic Islands, to make courageous decisions in a rigorous manner, with data and through dialogue.”