Anti-tourism protesters threaten to collapse British holiday hotspot with historic demonstration

The coalition is being led by Menys Turisme Mes Vida, a group whose name translates to Less Tourism More Life, which spearheaded widespread protests across the Balearic Islands last year.

Organisers staged a smaller gathering outside Palma Cathedral yesterday to announce their intentions, a "historic turnout" for the main event according to the organisers

The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 7pm, with the cathedral area expected to serve as the focal point for protesters. Cruise ship passengers frequently visit this landmark after disembarking in the city.

David Comas, a spokesman for the protest movement, has warned that the Balearic Islands faces a "decisive" and exceptionally challenging summer season.

"We can't cope with more tourists," he stated, arguing that Majorca has reached breaking point.

The activist described how his island has been transformed into a "theme park" where young residents like himself find it "impossible" to achieve independence or secure affordable accommodation.

Mr Comas highlighted that thousands of workers currently exist in a state of "maximum vulnerability" due to the housing crisis gripping the region.

Adding to organisers' concerns is the total solar eclipse scheduled for August 12, which has already triggered a surge in visitor bookings.

"By the day of the eclipse, hotel reservations are already completely full, which will completely collapse the island," the spokesman warned.

The July 26 protest date was deliberately chosen to allow smaller demonstrations in the preceding weeks.

The Balearic Islands and Canary Islands have emerged as the epicentre of Spain's anti-tourism movement over the past two years, though similar demonstrations have also occurred in Barcelona and Malaga.

British holidaymakers heading to Menorca this weekend will encounter the first anti-tourism protest of the year in the Balearics, with further marches planned for June 13 on the island, which remains hugely popular with UK visitors.

The scale of discontent became evident in May 2024 when an estimated 15,000 people marched through Palma's streets.

It concluded with approximately 100 activists surrounding the upmarket Cappuccino Borne restaurant near a McDonald's in the city centre, banging drums until police intervened to disperse them.

Just a day earlier, around 1,000 protesters had gathered outside Ibiza Council's headquarters to voice their frustrations about mass tourism's impact on local communities.

Protest tactics have intensified in recent months, with reports emerging from the Canary Islands of activists gluing shut Airbnb key boxes to disrupt holiday rentals.

Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators targeting the lock boxes that typically hold keys accessed via PIN codes provided by rental hosts.

Authorities have also warned British tourists about fake police tape being used to cordon off popular beauty spots, including beach access paths, in an apparent attempt to trick visitors into believing areas are closed.

Graffiti bearing slogans such as "Tourists go home" has appeared across parts of Lanzarote.

The movement has not been without controversy.

During the May 2024 demonstration in Palma, some foreign holidaymakers faced abuse, with protesters booing and jeering at diners eating evening meals in a city centre square.

The incident prompted organisers to issue a public apology.