Tourists planning to visit a popular Spanish island that attracts numerous British visitors each year might encounter disruptions during the upcoming summer due to planned protests. Menys Turisme Més Vida, a group known for organizing demonstrations in Majorca, is preparing for a gathering on February 20 to discuss potential future protests. They criticize the Balearic Government for its inability to manage overcrowding and the perceived failure of sustainability efforts, emphasizing the need for grassroots action to address the issue of overtourism.
According to Margalida Ramis from environmental group GOB, the government’s inaction towards overtourism is a significant concern. The Balearic Islands have experienced a consistent rise in visitor numbers, reaching over 19 million in 2025, while the local population stands at just 1.2 million, including around 18,000 British expatriates. Opposition party PSOE proposed capping annual tourist numbers at 17.8 million, but the motion was recently rejected.
Groups like Menys Turisme Més Vida have led protests against overtourism in Majorca, with past demonstrations drawing thousands of participants. Their demands, outlined on their Instagram account, include banning tourist rentals, reducing rental prices for locals, and creating more stable job opportunities in the area’s labor market. Concerns have surfaced in the hospitality industry over declining customer numbers, prompting discussions about implementing a discount voucher scheme to boost local restaurant patronage.
In a related development, Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy expressed concerns about the impact of anti-tourism sentiments on visitor experiences in the Canary Islands, warning that such protests and negative comments could deter tourists. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for travelers to prevent them from seeking alternative destinations where they feel more valued.
