An anti-tourism pressure group in the Balearic Islands is set to stage a protest against authorities this weekend.
The activist group Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) have criticised the Balearic authorities across Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza for “prioritising profits over residents” and will hold the demonstration as the summer holiday season approaches.
The group said: “After seeing the government’s new tourist campaign, the announcements of billion-dollar investments, and the boom in property speculation and luxury tourism, it’s clear that policies only favour land liberalisation and business interests.”
Set to take place on Saturday in Majorca, campaigners will call on local government to take action to limit the impact on local residents after years of high visitor numbers.
The group will hold discussions, a workshop, and a round table, culminating in an open assembly as they plot a way of gaining increased support to limit the damage they feel tourism is having.
The group has vowed to intensify its actions this summer as it seeks to address local issues such as housing and job insecurity.
Locals in the Balearic Islands and across Spain have long argued that increased visitor numbers are putting a strain on public services, leading to increased rates of anti-social behaviour and pricing locals out of the housing market by driving up the cost of property.
Recently, the Balearics joined forces with the Canary Islands to tackle major tourism challenges like illegal rentals and overcrowding, with both regions’ tourism bodies coordinating their efforts, reports Birmingham Live.
Not all locals are buoyed by the wave of anti-tourism sentiment.
One local said: “No doubt the bars and restaurants along the proposed route will be handing out free food and drinks to all those taking part who wish to deprive them of their livelihood.
“Less tourism, more life” as long as your family doesn’t rely on tourists then not much life if no money!”
Tourism represents 13 percent of Spanish GDP but this figure is much higher in common tourist destinations.
In areas such as the Balearic Islands, around 80 percent of people are employed in roles related to tourism.
Last year there were several high-profile protests against tourism across Spain, with beaches, hotels and restaurants targeted with messages such as “tourists go home”.
In one incident, tourists in a restaurant in Barcelona were squirted with water pistols as demonstrators sought discourage visitors from dining in popular eating spots.