Mallorca Activists Intensify Fight Against Mass Tourism in Spain with Powerful Workshops to Combat Overcrowding and Rising Costs

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A vocal anti-tourism group in Spain is intensifying its campaign against mass tourism by organizing a training session in Mallorca. Activists from Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) are preparing for the upcoming holiday season with a series of workshops designed to strengthen their movement.

With overtourism continuing to disrupt local communities, the group has scheduled a crucial gathering on February 15 at a Mallorca school. Here, members will engage in strategic planning, training sessions, and discussions to refine their approach in tackling the increasing influx of visitors.

This renewed push follows the Spanish government’s announcement of a €1.12 billion investment into the tourism sector—a move that has sparked criticism from the group. Menys Turisme, Més Vida argues that the focus on tourism expansion exacerbates real estate speculation and contributes to the growing housing crisis, leaving local residents struggling with soaring costs.

The activist group gained widespread attention last summer when it spearheaded a major anti-tourism demonstration in Palma de Mallorca. On July 21, around 10,000 protestors flooded the streets, wielding symbolic models of planes and cruise ships while chanting slogans like “No to mass tourism” and “Stop private jets.” Protestors also held up banners expressing their frustration over the continuous surge of tourists—particularly from the UK—who visit Majorca in overwhelming numbers each year.

During the protest, some demonstrators openly urged tourists to leave, carrying signs that made it clear they were unwelcome. Spanish officials at the time urged protestors to maintain order, warning against incidents similar to those in Barcelona, where tourists were targeted with water guns.

Now, Menys Turisme, Més Vida is doubling down on its criticism of the Balearic government, accusing authorities of favoring tourism-driven profits over essential infrastructure improvements that could benefit residents. The group has also pointed out that tourism companies are seeing profits grow at double the rate of local workers’ wages, further fueling public discontent.

However, not all locals share the anti-tourism sentiment. A counter-movement supporting tourism emerged last summer, particularly in Palma, where pro-tourism advocates pushed back against the demonstrations. They countered anti-tourism banners with their own stickers, emphasizing that visitors are welcome in Mallorca, as well as in the other Balearic Islands—Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

With tensions rising ahead of the peak travel season, Mallorca remains at the heart of Spain’s ongoing debate over the impact of tourism on local communities.