ADVERTISEMENTNo affordable housing, overrun healthcare and disrespectful behaviour. A growing list of complaints is being thrown at local authorities who fail to keep tourism numbers under control.
This weekend, protesters in Mallorca stormed a popular beach in the latest protest against overtourism seen around Europe.
Members of the 'Occupem Les Nostres Platges' ('Occupy Our Beaches') movement gathered at the popular Balneario 6 area of S'Arenal beach in Palma.
More than 100 protesters laid out their towels and took a symbolic dip in the sea, calling for stricter limits on tourism.
Last year, Mallorca residents placed fake signs on local beaches warning tourists to stay away, while in neighbouring Ibiza there have also been protests against overtourism.
Demonstrators on S'Arenal beach said they are no longer able to enjoy their area as it is overrun by tourists.
One young woman said, "We have come here to demand that residents should be able to enjoy our beaches, which nowadays are only enjoyed by tourists."
In 2023, Mallorca received a record-breaking 14 million foreign visitors. This year, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, with more than six million tourists arriving even before the summer season, marking an eight per cent increase on last year.
Another protester highlighted the broader consequences of mass tourism, "From the disappearance of local culture, the increasing cost of living, the impossibility to live here, and the worsening of public services, many tourists understand this because they are aware of what it means in their home places."
In response, the Balearic Government has created a joint committee with representatives from the tourism sector and civil society to work on ways to curb the impact of tourism.
Changes include enhanced controls against illegal tourist accommodation, with 27 new inspectors and fines of up to €80,000 for violations.