Anti-tourism protests have left some hoteliers keen to share a different message with tourists. Some groups in Majorca have said they welcome tourists and have hit back at anti-tourism messages.
The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation has created a new marketing campaign with billboards which encourage visitors. Thousands of residents took to Palma’s streets in June, urging tourists to stay home and not overwhelm the island they call home, reports Olive Press. However, hotels and Majorca are standing against anti-tourism messages.
The groups have said they are against “tourismphobia” and new messaging shares positive welcoming messages for travellers.
The billboards include slogans which read: “Tourist, go home happy. Be happier returning to Mallorca soon.” Another message reads: “Tourist, go home safe and come back soon.”
Finally, a third one says: “Tourist, don’t go home, stay longer with us.”
This comes as a response to the protest messages which read: “Tourists go home”. The Federation says it wants to remind tourists that the island is welcoming and hospitable and proud of its tourism industry.
It says: “This is in contrast to the rejectionist rhetoric and actions that attempt to damage the image of tourism and its contribution to Balearic society.”
FEHM President Javier Vich said: “Without tourists, there are no jobs, and we must all take care of tourism.”
Over a third of jobs in the Balearic Islands working population are provided by tourism, making it a key sector for the economy.
Protests against tourism in Majorca have taken place with others concerned about the impact mass travelling has had for local populations.
Some campaigners have cited a housing crisis which they blame on tourists.
An organised protest in May in Palma had an expected turnout of 2000 people but five times the number ended up taking part in the protest.