Yahoo News Warning to Brits heading to Spanish islands this half term amid anti-tourism protests
British holidaymakers heading to the Balearic Islands this half term could face disruption as anti-tourism protests are set to take place in two popular locations. It follows similar demonstrations which were held in the Canary Islands in April.
On May 24 activist group Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza) has called for demonstrations in Ibiza Town, Ibiza. The group has said that the island “cannot take anymore” and that it wants to highlight the “negative impacts of uncontrolled tourism”.
Then on May 25, which coincides with the start of May half term for many schools across the UK, protestors are expected to take to the streets in Palma, Majorca’s capital. The organisers said: “On the 25th of May we have to take to the streets.
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“To say ENOUGH to tourist overcrowding, to say ENOUGH to the destruction of the territory, to say ENOUGH to the lack of protection suffered by the people who live on the islands.”
Regarding protests taking place in Spain, the UK Foreign Office advises British travellers to “Follow the advice of police and local authorities.” It adds: “While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.”
The protests come amid rising concerns across popular Spanish holiday destinations over the negative impact of tourism. On April 20 protests took place across the Canary Islands, which include Tenerife and Lanzarote, calling for changes to be made to the tourism model.
Demonstrators held placards with messages including ‘Canaries have a limit’. Those taking part said they weren’t against tourism or visitors altogether, rather they want tourism to be handled in a sustainable way.
Meanwhile the president of the Balearic Islands Marga Prohens said last week that “limits” must be set to control tourism. Posting on X, she said: “To defend tourism and these islands as a destination is to set limits.” In a separate post Ms Prohens added: “I am proud to be the president of a tourism community. Precisely because we love tourism and believe in our economic model, the time has come to set limits.”
On Monday, May 20, Ferran Rosa, the deputy of opposition party Mes per Mallorca called for a reduction in flights to the island, stating that it would be a key way to combat tourism growth. He said: “Mallorca is no longer overcrowded, Mallorca is experiencing collapse…The number of flights needs to be reduced because you cannot have airports that, year after year, break records.”
