Majorca to bring in 'brave' tourism measures amid 'growing discontent'
Tougher measures are set to be introduced to the Spanish island of Majorca next year aimed at tackling overcrowding from tourism. There will be 'brave' decisions on the horizon to curb the influx of visitors, president Magra Prohens has indicated.
It comes as islanders have expressed an increasing unease over a surge in tourism, with a number of protests already held. Demonstrations took place during the peak summer months, reports MirrorOnline.
Locals demands a shift towards a more sustainable approach to tourism, amid of how excessive visitor numbers could cause detrimental effects. Magra already highlighted the need for 'limits' on tourist numbers earlier this year.
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And now the regional government is due to implement 'brave' strategies in a bit to tackle overcrowding, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. President Magra outlined the government's commitment to the immediate and long-term solutions, as she addressed an event hosted by the Economy Circle think tank on Tuesday.
She said: "We have to listen to the citizens, to listen to a growing and general social discontent that goes far beyond the protests. We have to talk about limits and we have to talk about containment."
Nonetheless, she reassured that there would not be a complete overhaul of the current tourism model, affirming that "the tourist is always welcome", reports the Manchester Evening News. She encouraged Majorcans to take pride in their hospitality.
After dining, the president took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), to share her thoughts. She remarked: "Moving towards sustainability and the well-being of all residents is one of the main challenges facing the Balearic Islands. Therefore, we must transform our model with bold measures, essential before the next season, to redirect the future of our islands from a shared roadmap."
Last month, tourists were greeted by over 100 protesters in Playa de Palma, claiming the beach had turned from sandy to drunken. The campaign group 'Majorca Platja Tour', responsible for the protest, also warned of more protests.