A minister in the Balearic Islands’ government says tourism in the region remains strong despite some businesses reporting a fall. Jaume Bauzá insisted “tourismphobic” messages were not significantly hitting the tourism industry in the Balearics, made up of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Protests against mass tourism have been growing on the Spanish islands, most notably in Majorca, while there have also been instances of anti-tourism messages being graffitted onto buildings. Mr Bauzá said he believes the messages are “not catching on” in tourism markets but accepted graffiti and the recent burning of images — including his own, as well as other public officials and hoteliers — by a youth movement group is “not desirable”. He expressed faith in the Balearics’ tourism sector but acknowledged revenue for businesses such as bars, restaurants, shops and excursion operators has been “uneven”.
Mr Bauzá told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that while the expectations in certain areas of the industry are not being met, he urged people to wait until the end of the season before drawing any definitive conclusions.
He added the general data showed the tourism was “good” but stressed each year cannot be record-breaking — a record 18.7 million tourists visited the Balearic Islands in 2024, up 5% on the previous high in 2023.
Mr Bauzá also explained the Balearic Islands government is in favour of a “quality tourism”, which he described as a higher spending per visitor.
It comes after Juanmi Ferrer, president of the restaurants association in Majorca, said anti-tourism messages are “scaring visitors away”.
“The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations,” added Miguel Pérez-Marsá of the nightlife association, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
More than 2.3 million Britons visit Majorca each year which is the most-visited island in the Balearics.
The Mediterranean destination is popular with holidaymakers for reasons including its plethora of beaches, warm weather and cuisine.
Concerns over the level of tourism on the Balearic Islands and other holiday hotspots across the region have been growing in recent years, with several protests held.
Campaigners have blamed mass tourism for issues such as skyrocketing housing prices and rises in the cost of living.
