Mallorca Protests Mass Tourism, Demands Visitor Limits

Thousands took to the streets of Mallorca to protest the overwhelming impact of mass tourism, demanding a cap on visitor numbers. The "Less Tourism, More Life" initiative organized the demonstration, which saw over 25,000 participants, according to police figures, significantly exceeding the organizers' expectations.

Protesters carried banners with slogans like "Mallorca is full" and "We have no capacity," voicing their frustration during the peak holiday season. The timing was deliberate, aiming to convey their message to regional authorities just a year before the Balearic government elections.

The core demand is to limit the influx of tourists, which organizers link directly to a severe housing crisis. They argue that rising numbers of tourists and holiday rentals have made it nearly impossible for individuals earning normal incomes to afford housing on the island.

Beyond housing, community groups, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders highlighted a range of issues stemming from over-tourism. These include increased pollution, traffic congestion, noise disturbances, and the degradation of natural landscapes due to the relentless pressure of the tourism industry.