Over 20,000 protestors took to the streets of Palma de Mallorca in
the second mass demonstration against mass tourism this summer.
The demonstration, held under the slogan “Let's change course, let's
set limits to tourism”, involved over 80 organisations, including
neighbourhood groups and activist associations.
The protestors called for affordable housing, an end to real estate
speculation and gentrification, fair wages, better conservation of
natural spaces, and respect for local culture. This event follows a
similar protest in June with over 10,000 participants and is part of a
broader wave of protests across Spain.
On 6 July, nearly 3,000 people protested in Barcelona, and there have been similar demonstrations in the Canary Islands, Menorca, and Malaga.
Experts say the tourism crisis in Spain is linked to a housing
crisis. The rise of short-term rentals has made it difficult for locals
to find affordable housing. AirDNA reports that short-term rental
listings in Mallorca have almost doubled, from over 9,500 in June 2019
to 20,900 in June 2024.
Despite the protests, tourism remains strong. International flight
bookings for Barcelona are up 18% for July and August, and Menorca has
seen a 51% increase. Lanzarote and Mallorca have experienced gains of
10% and 6%, respectively, according to ForwardKeys, a travel data
analytics firm.
Spain continues to be a top destination in 2024, with international
air arrivals and traveller spending up 12% and 25% from pre-pandemic
levels for the first half of the year, as reported by the European
Travel Commission.