Majorca warns UK tourists 3.5 million staying on island have 'broken law'

Majorca has warned UK tourists 3.5 million may be staying on island ILLEGALLY. The Balearic Islands holiday hotspot, belonging to Spain and situated in the European Union, has warned 3.5 million tourists could be staying on Balearic Islands illegally.

Replying to the warning, a Brit said: "It's a problem for the entire world, and that is over population. However Spain should try and encourage tourists to visit other parts of Spain away from the conjested coastal strip.

"Spain is a beautiful country and has far more culture to offer in the hinterland. Try walking the Caminio de Santiago...the scenery is stunning, the small towns are beautiful and welcoming, and what's more you will meet and see the "Real" Spain and warm and friendly Spanish people."

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In 2014 there were one million in the Balearics. In 2023 there were 2.2 million. The figures are open to question as they disguise the number of visitors who stay at illegal holiday lets. People say they are with family or friends when in reality they are not.

The Majorcan Daily Bulletin warned this category of visitor grew by more than 100% over a period when total tourist numbers rose by 32% from 13.5 million in 2014 to 17.8 million in 2023. In addition, the number of people staying at their second homes on the islands increased from 780,451 in 2014 to 975,800 last year - a 25% increase.

The data suggests that out of the 17.8 million tourists visiting the archipelago last year, which saw record-breaking numbers, nearly 20 percent did not pay for traditional accommodation, possibly staying in illegal lodgings instead. This figure could be as high as 3.5 million.

Regardless of where they were staying, this category of visitor has grown by more than 100 per cent over a period when total tourist numbers rose by 32 per cent from 13.5 million in 2014 to 17.8 million in 2023. The number of people staying at their second homes on the Balearics Islands has also increased from 780,451 to 975,800 in the same period, an increase of 25 percent.