Mallorca: Around 25,000 protest against mass tourism

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mallorca, Spain, to protest against the impacts of mass tourism on the Mediterranean island. The protest, organized under the banner "Mallorca am Limit" (Mallorca at its Limit) by the initiative "Menys Turisme, Més Vida" (Less Tourism, More Life), saw an estimated 25,000 participants, according to police figures.

Protesters gathered in Palma's Plaza de España before marching through the city center towards the cathedral. The central demand of the demonstration was a cap on the number of visitors and holiday rentals, which organizers blame for a severe housing crisis. Many residents with normal incomes are reportedly struggling to afford housing on the island.

Beyond the housing crisis, demonstrators also voiced concerns about the environmental and social consequences of over-tourism. Neighborhood associations and environmental groups pointed to increased pollution, traffic congestion, noise levels, and the destruction of natural landscapes as direct results of the high volume of tourists.

The protest occurred during the peak travel season of late July and early August, a period known for the highest influx of vacationers on the Balearic island. Organizers had initially hoped for up to 40,000 participants. The demonstration also carries political weight, occurring a year before regional elections on the Balearic Islands, with organizers aiming to make their voices heard by politicians.