Campaign organisations in Majorca have asked tourists not to visit the island this summer.
In an open letter posted on social media, the seven organisations representing residents say mass tourism is destroying their way of life.
One of the bodies involved was behind an anti-mass tourism street demonstration in Palma last July, which attracted about 10,000 protestors.
The letter, posted at the weekend on X, said that Majorca’s tourism industry, once a ‘source of pride’, is now its ‘biggest problem’.
“The island has been exploited to unimaginable limits, leading to the collapse we are now suffering,” it said, adding that hoteliers, politicians and real estate investors were ‘greedy parasites’.
It says residents are experiencing environmental deterioration, infrastructure issues, overwhelmed public services, transport problems, gentrification and a housing crisis.
Last year, Majorca’s airport in Palma handled 33 million arrivals, 7% more than in 2023. A further 6% increase is expected this year, according to the letter.
The campaign groups said they were insulted by claims of ‘sustainable’ tourism on the island, adding ‘nothing could be further from the truth’.
“Politicians tell us they want to promote the deseasonalisation of the tourism industry. This would mean reducing the number of tourists during peak season by spreading them throughout the year.
“However, what is actually happening is exactly the opposite,” it said.
Urging tourists to stay away, it added: “Majorca is not the paradise they are selling you.
“The local population is angry and no longer hospitable because the land we love is being destroyed and many of us have to leave the island because it is uninhabitable. Put yourselves in our place!”
“We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem.
“Locals say: ENOUGH. STAY HOME!”
Travel Gossip has approached the Balearic Tourist Board for a comment.
