Mallorca is fighting: fewer beach loungers against mass tourism!

Mallorca is fighting: fewer beach loungers against mass tourism!

In a year that is characterized by visitor records on the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has taken a drastic measure to counteract the abundance of tourists. From 2026, the number of beach loungers will be reduced by 20 percent. This decision is not only a reaction to constant strands, but also to the lack of space, which primarily affects the local population. As ludwigshafen24.de , for example, the number of sun loungers at the famous Playa de Palma from 6000 is just 4436 sink. The measure includes the reduction of 1644 on four beaches of the community.

The mayor Jaime Martinez also initiated a comprehensive 300 million euro package that provides targeted measures against over-tourism. This includes the ban on new tourist hotels at the Playa de Palma. Another innovative project is the planned introduction of an app that should enable an online reservation of loungers and umbrellas from 2027 to create a more regulated system for daily beach visit.

protests of the locals

In the past few months, a broad protest movement against mass tourism has formed in Mallorca. As early as July 2024, more than 20,000 people took part in a demonstration in Palma, where banners such as "Your Luxury, our misery" and "killer flights" were seen. The participants criticize the rising rents and the increasing lack of housing that take the air to breathe the everyday life of the locals. tagesschau.de also quotes the resentment of precarious employment in the hotel industry, in which many people work, while tourism is booming.

These protests are not limited to Mallorca. Rather, they are part of a larger phenomenon that runs throughout Europe, especially in cities overcrowded in tourism. Many citizens' movements not only require a reduction in tourism, but also a rethink towards a more sustainable and opportunities. swr.de emphasizes that for many residents, such as overcrowded roads, environmental damage and one Departure of local culture, perceived as an existential threat.

The image of tourism

The economic importance of tourism for the Balearic Islands cannot be overlooked, the income is around 45 percent of the island's economic output. Last year, a total of 18 million people traveled to Mallorca, which corresponds to 15 times the resident, but not everyone benefits from this upswing. The wages in particular are unprofitable, which further deepens the gap between the tourists and the simple population. The regional government head of government Marga Prohens showed understanding of the unrest among the inhabitants, but warned of exaggerated outbreaks of the displeasure.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether the measures taken are sufficient to safeguard the sensitive balance between the needs of tourists and the concerns of the locals. The pressure is growing, and the voices of the protesters are increasingly heard - "Menys Turisme, Més Vida" are calling in the streets, hoping to find a solution for everyone.