Rental car tires have been intentionally damaged during a recent protest against tourism in Spain. The Mayor of a Spanish tourist town in Majorca, Artà, expressed concern over the anti-tourism incidents that have affected the area known for its serene ambiance and scenic beauty. Vandalism, including graffiti on buildings and slashed rental car tires, bearing slogans like ‘Tourists go home,’ have been observed in Artà and along a road leading to Palma.
The local Civil Guard has been informed of the rental car vandalism incident, impacting multiple vehicles. Mayor Manolo Galán of Artà regretted the situation and denounced such acts of vandalism against tourism. He emphasized that while opinions may differ, resorting to such actions is unacceptable, recognizing the challenges posed by overcrowding and expressing understanding for those who choose to voice their discontent in various ways.
In response to increasing concerns about overtourism, protests have been on the rise in Spain since the reopening of travel post the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics from the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed a significant surge in international tourist arrivals, with 11.3 million visitors in August last year, marking a 2.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of tourists in Spain soared to 22.3 million during August and July of 2025, surpassing the figures from the previous year.
To mitigate the impact of high tourist numbers on local communities, the Spanish government announced measures such as removing 53,000 tourist flats from the Single Register of Tourist and Seasonal Rentals in favor of permanent housing solutions. Additionally, local authorities in regions like the Balearic Islands and Barcelona have implemented stricter regulations on drinking establishments and short-term tourist accommodations to address disruptive behavior and ease housing shortages for local residents.
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