MAJORCA MADNESS: TWO of three want to limit British tourists visiting Ibiza and Majorca

The majority also think the beaches, roads and parking lots are saturated by holidaymakers from Britain and across Europe and government officials should not let the situation continue.

Nearly two-thirds back the decision to double next year’s tourist tax but the other third warn it might well scare visitors off.

Due to the near-guaranteed gorgeous weather the number of tourists visiting the Balearics currently exceeds 12 million a year and the survey conducted by the island-based Gadesco Foundation suggests local residents believe this is too many and needs to be controlled.

Some regular holidaymakers to Majorca (Mallorca) have already suggested they WON’T be returning to the Balearics in 2018 because of the growing unrest against “mass tourism”.

One told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “Well I have done what the demonstrators want. I have just cancelled my two holidays to Majorca for next year. I really feel sorry for the people who want us tourists to visit and spend our money.

“I for one shall not return in the future. The last thing I need on holiday is to feel like an intruder and an unwanted person. 

“Me and my money will be welcomed somewhere else. Bye Bye Majorca.”

Another commented: “I have been a regular visitor to Mallorca since the 1960s and I can understand the frustrations of a small island, with many tourists than there used to be but I am afraid you cannot have your cake and eat it. It was the Spanish that opened up Mallorca in the first place, catering for package holidays, and building a huge airport to handle it. 

“Maybe it is time to say adios Mallorca, And thanks for the memories.”

A third added: “Mallorca used to be the friendliest place in the world. I remember Mallorca in the 1980s when I first came. 

“Trying to regulate when people come to visit and when or if they can drive a rental car is insane! I have noticed an arrogance that never was prevalent here before.

“The Madeiras are starting to look great.”

The survey and comments come hot on the heels of a protest march held in the Mallorcan capital of Palma when 3,000 people took to the streets to warn against mass tourism.

They chanted: “Without limits, there is no future” and “tourists go home” and claimed Mallorca was being saturated by visitors at the expense of the environment, local jobs, housing for residents and general co-existence.

The march was the first of its kind in Mallorca since the debate over mass tourism began two years ago.

Of those interviewed in the Gadesco survey, 67 per cent said numbers should be limited.

Three-quarters said the beaches were bearing the brunt, closely followed by the roads and car-parks.

Despite the controversy over the doubling of the tourist tax, 69 per cent of those surveyed supported the move, saying it would mitigate the damaging effects of tourism activity, while 28 per cent argued that it can serve as a deterrent against ‘”undesirable tourists”.

The Balearic Government rejects the criticism, saying steps are being taken to control tourism numbers and look after the environment.

There are also claims that “the minority are spoiling things for the majority” and point out that the islands depend on tourism for jobs and wealth.

The Gadeso Foundation is a non-profit association founded in 2002 to study the reality of life in the Balearic Islands.