Brits heading to Majorca should expect to continue to face widespread anti-tourism protests, according to a leading young activist. Jaume Pujol, 17, who has been branded the Greta Thunberg of the anti-tourism movement, has claimed that the island is still heaving with visitors, despite the protests.
He told the Metro: “This summer has not been any quieter. Despite hotel owners and businesspeople trying to deny it, the situation of overcrowding and overtourism on our island has been the same.
“We didn’t have a specific target group of British tourists. The aim of the protests is to put a limit on the over-tourism and commercialisation of our island and to reduce the number of tourists. These demands are directed at our local governments which have, so far, ignored them.
“The direct message to holidaymakers is be aware of the local problems caused by tourism.”
Jaume did admit that some behaviour from tourists, including Brits, did irritate locals. “There are behaviours that can be annoying but our island receives many tourists of all different types, so we can’t generalise,” he explained.
The young activist, who has been interviewed several times by major media outlets, vowed to continue the demonstrations until decision-makers heeded residents’ demands.
He told the outlet: “I would say that obviously what will make us stop protesting will be victory, but victory is quite a long way off.
“The ultimate victory would be a change in our island’s socioeconomic model that involves economic diversification and a decrease in tourism. Until then, if tourists still decide to come here for their holiday, they can do so with more respect for the island and its residents.”
Restaurant and bar owners in Majorca have blasted the anti-tourism protesters, blaming numerous demonstrations over recent months for a huge downfall in trade.
CAEB, which represents business owners in Spain’s Balearic islands, said it hopes that September “will save the season” after seeing transactions plunge since May. Last month it was revealed beach bars, parasol hire companies, and water activity operators saw a 20% drop-off in July compared to 2024.
The Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (Adopuma) blamed increasingly aggressive rhetoric towards visitors – including Brits – from anti-tourism campaigners.
Adopuma has warned the island’s economy is being pushed to breaking point as a result.
Miguel Pérez-Marsá, head of the nightlife association, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.”