Spring has arrived in Mallorca, and the seagulls have primarily taken over Playa de Palma beach. They bask in the sun and only take flight when an occasional visitor ventures too close. Things are different in the heart of the island’s capital, Palma, where thousands of demonstrators recently marched to demand affordable housing and criticize the island’s tourism industry. They argue that holiday rentals and foreigners buying up island property have contributed to the increasing struggle among locals to find affordable housing.
Carme Reynès, one of the protest organizers, explains that housing has become an object of speculation and that most people on average incomes cannot afford rent. Many have had to resort to sharing apartments or moving out of the island. Local citizens’ associations have addressed an open letter to holidaymakers, urgently stating that the island is being destroyed, and locals are being forced to move away because they can no longer afford to live in Mallorca.
Mallorca has been one of Europe’s top tourist destinations for years, especially among German and British vacationers. With a record 13 million tourists visiting the island last year and even more expected this year, mass tourism is putting a strain on the island’s natural resources. The regional government has acknowledged that limits need to be set. Although they have announced a moderate increase in the overnight accommodation tax and stricter rules for holiday rentals, the current government lacks a parliamentary majority to implement these measures effectively. Even so, they are still promoting the region to tap into new markets, including direct flights from certain locations like New York.
While this may bring more affluent tourists to the island, protesters see it as a sign that their politicians are not serious about limiting mass tourism. In contrast, restaurateur Mika Ferrer, who heads the Palma Beach quality initiative, sees this opportunity as a chance to transform Playa de Palma into an up-market holiday destination. He believes that US visitors consume and spend more money compared to partygoers, who have been a nuisance in the past. This summer, Playa de Palma will see a comprehensive security plan to prevent the excesses of years before. The plan includes an increased presence of police, video surveillance, and drones to support law enforcement officers. The seagulls on Playa de Palma beach remain blissfully unaware of these changes as they enjoy the calm before the storm.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/mallorca-spanish-island-braces-for-busy-tourist-season/a-72164258?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
