Protesters call to ‘occupy’ beaches in favourite Brit tourist destination as tensions soar
Protesters against over-tourism have begun the next stage of their action ahead of further demonstrations this month.
Protesters against over-tourism have begun the next stage of their action ahead of further demonstrations this month.
This call follows the over 10,000-strong demonstration held in Palma last Saturday along with threats to blockade the island’s airport during the summer high point.
Today, residents are being called to protest by occupying Mallorca’s beaches, with plans for a larger demonstration set for Sunday June 16 from 10am on Sa Ràpita Beach.
The situation worsened after a beach brawl involving dozens of British tourists on a beach in Calvia, Mallorca.
Eight men from a stag party were reportedly arrested after a waiter complained about the group throwing beer and rubbish into the sea.
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"This Saturday, the first of June, we will swim at Platja de Sa Ràpita (in front of the CN) at 10am.
"Beaches belong to everyone."
Using the hashtag #OcupemLesNostresPlatges, Mallorca Platja Tour, one protest group, posted on X: "We urge residents to fill the beaches of Mallorca as a demonstration against overcrowding."
They estimate at least 500 people will "fill the beaches" with "laughter and watermelon".
It also follows the rejection of mayor Jaime Martínez’s new measures - which sought to tackle the impact of mass tourism - by Palma’s city council.
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Such measures included the limiting of the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the island’s capital, the banning of party boats, imposing new taxes on passengers upon disembarkation and restricting the number of rental cars.
Last Saturday, thousands of locals made their way through the island’s capital, warning tourists to "go home”" with banners that read: "Mallorca is not for sale."
"We will continue fighting for the interests of citizens and for coexistence between residents and tourists," said Martínez, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
"This is a global problem for Spain and we will decide how to solve this problem."
