Anti-tourism protesters in Spain are threatening to unleash more chaos this summer, as anger grows at the perceived lack of action by local authorities. Last year, tens of thousands of demonstrators hit the streets, demanding action be taken to curb the number of tourists visiting Spain.
Activists say the current tourism model is damaging the environment and putting huge strains on resources such as water. In addition, many local residents complain they are being priced out of the property market by investors snapping up accommodation to rent out to holidaymakers.
Across Spain, protests took place throughout the spring, summer and autumn of 2024, including in some of the most popular destinations such as the Balearics and the Canaries.
One group behind the wave of demonstrations in Majorca is the Banc de Temps collective in Sencelles.
The activists released a video last year highlighting the housing crisis in the village, which has a population of around 4,000 people.
They blamed the shortfall in accommodation on tourism and organised a protest in May in Palma.
Expecting a turnout of just 2,000 people, fives times the number ended up taking part in the protest.
The collective released a new video on Monday, claiming the situation had got worse and hinting at further action to come.
“Almost a year ago we were shouting loudly,” they said in the video. “But this has done nothing.
“Thousands of people in the streets, demanding the right to live in Majorca without having to be rich.
“And now? We are even worse off. Rents are skyrocketing, people are being expelled, desperation is growing.
“Meanwhile, they look the other way. We don’t want anyone else to leave. We are again saying enough is enough.”
Majorca is one of the four islands making ups the Balearics – with the others being Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Activists from the Menys Turisme, Més Vida (less tourism, more life) movement are also planning more demonstrations this year.