Thousands take part in anti-tourism protests on Spanish island of Majorca | BBC News

More than 20,000 people have taken part in a protest against mass tourism on the Spanish island of Majorca.

Around 18 million people visited Majorca and the other Balearic Islands the year.

This demonstration was the latest in a wave of anti-tourism demonstrations across Spain.



#Majorca #Spain #BBCNews

[andyroo]

Don't blame tourists. Protest your City Hall and Mayor's Office. Place laws that will not allow AirBnB to flourish and take over the city.

[hdw]

Not a restaurant owner in that protest

[Wolfpack-wpkf]

They're not really protesting against tourism so much as people who look to abuse the situation, buy up a bunch of properties and rent them at extortionate prices to holidaymakers, making it unaffordable. Tourism isn't the issue, it's the government doing nothing to prevent landlords doing this. Not too dissimilar to the complaints in the UK about student housing/rental market in general.

[jackayers]

Well, look at all the British seaside towns that lost their tourism and it worked out perfectly fine for them... Oh wait...

[siphotheguy]

I used to grow up in coastal town in South Africa. During school holidays we would basically loose our whole town to tourists coming in and taking over. That said we appreciated that our town would not have an economy without the tourists. It can be hectic but fortunately only during school holidays.

[JacoboAguirreMcMorrow]

As a spaniard, all tourists are welcome and I apologise for these demonstrations.

 I feel very proud when people from all around the world come and visit my country.

Spain, like other countries, has some issues concerning rent, wages etc and a small minority of people wrongly attribute this issues to tourism.


Hope this explains things. All the best and hope you still consider Spain as a vacation option. 

Jacobo XX

[lilacer]

Agree with the locals. Foreigners buying up properties does not help the locals

[Audiogeek-kfez]

I cannot blame many places that cannot handle the amount of people, they are talking the system, the BS of outside people buy up the available housing is very valid. I agree with the island residents.

[Teresacc]

We are not against the turist they are welcome, we are against the massification. Our resources are limited, we are suffering lack of water, we can't afford a house rent and the island is polluted by yatchs and rental cars. We only want respect.

[kaynay]

The issue here is the government and regulations around property.

[Guitarooster]

Spain is off our list. I don’t blame the people for being upset but they need to direct that anger at the government not people who are paying to visit.

[janseyfarth]

AirBnB and city accommodation costs are also a UK problem. Edinburgh for example is massively inflated due to this. Governments need to act on behalf of the people (for once) and ban Airbnb. Its pretty simple

[anibrown]

Perhaps protest over natives renting apartments to tourists instead of locals.

[escfuego]

As someone who lives in Mallorca, the situation is horrendous. I’m gonna have to leave my hometown as housing prices are above my possibilities, even if i’m working in a full-time job

[PathanShortVideos]

And when Tourists stop coming... They will also Protest to complain about lost jobs and no income...

[daledevernon]

There's an old saying, " Never bite the hand that feeds you".

[humanbeing]

Was just there… I’m well travelled so know the difference between tolerated and welcome. Never going back again

[Sjb]

I am British and I know many of us love the Balearic Islands but I sympathise with the Spanish people who cannot even live on their own land. But all we need to do is have respect for the Spanish and find other places to holiday. Sadly we Brits don’t have the same lovely weather. A word of warning though, with global warming Spain is also becoming too hot to holiday in. If you can afford it try South America, even consider living there. Lovely people, although a word of warning the Argentinians are the biggest gossips out there. 😂 I just love them and it’s a beautiful country.

[raizin]

In fact, London and Paris are like different cities. Looking at old videos makes me sad.

[tarlocksagoo]

And then next year Spain lays off millions due to low tourism.