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Majorca Residents Urge British Tourists to Stay Away Amid Growing Overtourism Concerns
Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands and a popular Mediterranean destination, is grappling with rising tensions between residents and visitors, particularly British tourists. While the island remains a favorite holiday spot for UK travelers, with approximately 2.32 million Britons visiting in 2023 (around 21% of all foreign tourist arrivals), local inhabitants are increasingly vocal about the negative impacts of overtourism and are urging a reduction in visitor numbers. This surge in discontent highlights growing challenges for tourism in Majorca.
Rising Discontent Among Locals
Frustration among Majorcan residents has reached a boiling point, with some directly telling British tourists to “stop coming.” Reports in the Majorca Daily Bulletin have captured the dismay of locals, with some expressing harsh sentiments about tourist behavior. One resident described some visitors as behaving “like animals” and being “dirty and smelly,” reflecting a deeper unease about the impact of mass tourism. This sentiment underscores the strain on local resources and culture attributed to overtourism on the Balearic Islands.
Harsh Words and Demands for Change
One reader’s comment in a local publication exemplified the escalating tensions:
- “You are noisy, dirty, smelly, drunk and misbehaved.”
- “We are not playing a dangerous game, we want you to stay at home.”
These strong words reveal the depth of feeling among some residents who believe that the current level of tourism is unsustainable and detrimental to their island.
Impact of Overtourism Fuels Tensions
The escalating animosity in Majorca is primarily attributed to the adverse consequences of overtourism. These negative effects include:
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- Increased cost of living for residents
- Strain on local infrastructure
- Environmental degradation
These challenges have ignited protests and widespread anger as locals feel that Majorca’s unique cultural identity and overall quality of life are being jeopardized by unchecked tourism growth.
Call for Reduced Reliance on British Tourism
Further emphasizing the sentiment for change, another resident asserted, “Spanish tourism does not depend on Brits, has never and will never depend on Brits. We want you to stop coming in fact.” This statement points to a desire for a shift away from dependency on a single tourist demographic and a broader reconsideration of tourism management strategies.
Open Letter and Policy Backlash
An open letter addressed to the Balearic Government, signed by several Majorcan campaign groups, emerged recently as a direct response to public anger regarding recent policy announcements. This letter signifies a coordinated effort to voice concerns and demand action regarding tourism policy.
Sustainable Tourism Tax Faces Criticism
One policy that has provoked considerable disapproval is the introduction of a new Sustainable Tourism Tax, also known as the Ecothis tax or Tourist Tax. This levy, imposed on visitors to Mallorca, Spain, and other Balearic Islands, ranges from €2.50 to €6 per night during peak season. While authorities claim the tax aims to promote sustainable tourism and offset environmental and social impacts, many locals remain unconvinced and unimpressed.
“DO NOT COME”: A Direct Message to Tourists
The open letter begins with a stark message to visitors: “Dear tourists, DO NOT COME.” It continues to articulate the growing frustration with Majorca’s expanding tourism sector:
- “We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem.”
- “Locals say: ENOUGH. STAY HOME!”
This direct and forceful language underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation from the perspective of concerned residents.
Population Growth and Strain
Data from The Telegraph indicates that Majorca’s population has increased significantly over the past two decades, growing from 727,000 to 960,000 – a 32% rise. Additionally, the proportion of non-Spanish residents across the Balearic Islands has risen from 15.3% to 27.6%. This rapid population growth, coupled with high tourist influx, is placing considerable strain on the island’s resources and contributing to the current tensions surrounding tourism in Majorca.