Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy has addressed growing concerns in Majorca about mass tourism, saying recent protests have not prevented holidaymakers from travelling there.
In 2023, Majorca welcomed 12 million tourists from abroad and from within Spain.
This marked a new record for the island. Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands as a whole saw just under 18 million visitors.
Earlier this year, around 10,000 Majorcans took to the streets to protest against the current levels of tourism.
Despite growing anger on the island, Mr Heapy said Brits are still heading to Majorca in droves.
He told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “We are of course aware of protests in some destinations, however we know that this is driven by unlicensed tourism.
“The unlicensed tourism market means that house prices in some destinations have increased, as increasing amounts of private properties have been purchased for buy to holiday let purposes.
“Jet2holidays works with licenced accommodation providers in holiday resorts meaning that we do not negatively impact house prices.
“It also means that we continue to make a positive contribution to local economies. We have urged local governments to stamp down on the unlicensed tourism market and we continue to call for this.
“We work incredibly closely with a wide range of partners in our overseas destinations such as Mallorca, including government officials, hoteliers, and tourist boards, and we continue to enjoy excellent relationships with these partners, who welcome the contribution that we and our customers make when they enjoy our licensed holidays in their destinations.
“There has been no impact on our bookings and Mallorca continues to enjoy the same popularity as always.”
In July, protestors in Majorca were seen displaying signs that read “your paradise, our nightmare.”
Pere Joan Femenia, of campaign group Less Tourism, More Life said: “Mass tourism is making it difficult for local people who cannot afford to live on their own island because tourist flats push up prices.
“Tourists fill up beaches and put a strain on public services in the summer.
“We want to cut mass tourism and to ban non-residents from buying houses which are just used for a few months a year or for speculation.”
