Furious anti-tourism protesters are threatening action this summer as they plan to take over the streets of Majorca. Demonstrators will march against mass visitation for a second year in a row as they warn British tourists not to come. Several protest groups have combined forces and issued a letter to those planning to visit the Spanish islands in the coming months, as well as other tourist hotspots in Spain.
The ranging letter explained how British tourists are the root cause of their “serious” problems, detrimentally impacting their “quality of life” and environmental degradation, the Sun reports. It read: “ENOUGH! STAY HOME! We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem.
“DO NOT COME.”
Local residents on the island feel pushed out of the city centres by the increasing number of tourists, also raising concerns about the preservation of their beaches and other beauty spots.
The letter continues to outline the issues residents are facing. “Environmental and ecosystem deterioration, infrastructure issues, overwhelmed public services, transportation problems, loss of quality of life, gentrification, disproportionate increases in the cost of living, and a total lack of access to housing for the local population,” the letter states.
It goes on to say how the “greed and avarice” of politicians, real estate investors, hoteliers and “parasites’ of all kings” have ultimately led to the protests.
It added: “The local population is angry, and we are no longer hospitable because the land we love is being destroyed, and many residents are having to emigrate.
“Majorca is not the paradise they are selling you.”
Anti-tourism marches have spread rife across Europe with the Canary Islands, mainland Spain and Greece facing the brunt of the protests.
The city of Barcelona has been hit by rallies too, with tourists being sprayed with water pistols. Regional officials on the Balearic Islands have made it clear to the demonstrators that there must not be a repeat of Barcelona, ensuring locals are shown “respect”.
Despite a heavy reliance on the tourism industry to keep many businesses and towns afloat, 70 associations are responsible for the mass protests seen across eight islands since April, campaigning for more affordable housing and against environmental damage. Starting in the capital cities, the rallies have now taken to the sandy coastlines among the holidaymakers.