Mallorca residents plea for tourism control amid environmental strain
Groups of Mallorca residents appeal to tourists not to visit the island due to environmental overload. Each year, several million tourists fly there.
Mallorca residents, concerned about tourism's impact on their island, have issued an open letter to tourists asking them to consider cancelling their visits. According to The Mirror, groups such as SOS Residents and Menys Turisme Més Vida are highlighting the negative consequences of the mass influx of tourists.
In the letter, residents emphasize that Mallorca, once known as the "island of tranquillity," is now grappling with problems caused by excessive visitors. The increase in tourists has led to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure, and rising living costs.
Resident groups point out that the number of tourists has increased by more than 30 percent over the last 25 years, but this has not translated into increased wealth for residents. On the contrary, the Balearic Islands have fallen from 48th to 148th place in the European per capita income ranking.
Mallorca residents call on authorities to regulate tourism, but their pleas go unanswered. They emphasize that politicians promote tourism while neglecting the local community's issues. "We don't need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem," they write.
In 2024, Palma de Mallorca Airport handled over 33 million passengers, and the number of tourists in 2025 is expected to increase by another 6 per cent. Residents fear the situation will become unbearable if appropriate measures are not implemented.
The future of Mallorca
Mallorca residents call on tourists to understand their situation and are appealing for responsibility.
Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you. The local population is angry and no longer hospitable because the land we love is being destroyed and many of us have to leave the island because it is uninhabitable. Put yourselves in our place, they write in the letter.
Mallorca is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation. Golden sands, azure waters, and a mild climate make coastal tourism one of the island's main attractions.
You can find quiet, intimate beaches and more tourist-heavy spots along the coast, like Playa de Palma or Cala Millor. For water sports enthusiasts, Mallorca is also a haven - surfing, sailing, diving, or parasailing are just some of the activities available here.
