As Mallorca prepares for its busy tourist season, thousands of protesters march through Palma to demand affordable housing and criticize the island’s tourism industry for exacerbating the issue.
Mass Tourism on Mallorca: A Growing Concern for Locals
The Spanish island of Mallorca is bracing for its busy tourist season, with thousands of people marching through central Palma to protest against the island’s increasingly expensive housing market. The demonstrators, who came from 60 different groups, are demanding affordable housing and criticizing the island’s tourist industry for contributing to the problem.
Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.
Located off the coast of Spain, Mallorca boasts a diverse landscape featuring mountains, valleys, and scenic coastline.
The island's capital, Palma, is a historic city with a rich architectural past, while its surrounding countryside offers picturesque villages and ancient ruins.
The Cost of Tourism
Housing has become an object of speculation, says Carme Reynés, a local activist who co-organized the protest march. In her small town of Sencelles, she says that renting an apartment costs over €1,200 ($1,300) per month, making it unaffordable for most people on average incomes. As a result, many locals are sharing apartments, with entire families living in a single room.
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 19 million households in the United States pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
The median home price is around $270,000, while the median household income is approximately $67,000.
This disparity creates a significant challenge for affordable housing.
Cities like San Francisco and New York have implemented programs to increase affordable units, but the demand continues to outpace supply.
Meanwhile, 180 apartments and houses in Sencelles are available as holiday rentals, further exacerbating the issue. Reynés says that more and more people are leaving the island because they can no longer afford to live there. The situation is not unique to Sencelles; other towns on the island are also struggling with high housing costs.
Record Tourist Numbers
Mallorca has been one of Europe’s top tourist destinations for years, attracting 13 million tourists last year. This year, even more tourists are expected. However, mass tourism is putting immense strain on the island’s natural resources. Without desalination plants, there would not be enough drinking water during the summer months. Many beaches, roads, and cities become overcrowded, making it difficult for locals to enjoy their own island.
Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century.
The island's rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities make it an attractive spot for visitors from around the world.
According to statistics, over 13 million tourists visited Mallorca in 2019 alone, with many drawn by its crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, and historic landmarks like the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
The regional government has recognized that things cannot go on like this and has announced measures to set limits on tourism growth. However, the conservative government lacks a parliamentary majority, and drastic measures are unlikely to be implemented soon.
Promoting Tourism
Despite the protests, many Palma residents see ongoing travel promotion as a sign that their politicians are not serious about limiting mass tourism. However, some entrepreneurs like Mika Ferrer, who heads the Palma Beach quality initiative, welcome more affluent US tourists visiting the island. Ferrer wants to transform Playa de Palma into a chic, up-market holiday destination.
This summer, things should be different. The Palma Mayor has announced a comprehensive security plan to prevent the excesses of past years. The plan includes a significant increase in police presence, video surveillance, and drones to support law enforcement officers. The touristic code of conduct will also be properly enforced, with clear limits on acceptable behavior.
As the tourist season approaches, Mallorca’s residents are left to wonder whether their politicians are taking their concerns seriously enough.
