Tourist establishments in Mallorca struggle as travelers avoid the region following anti-tourism demonstrations
In the heart of the Mediterranean, the beautiful island of Mallorca has been grappling with a decline in tourist arrivals over the past two years. This drop in visitors can be traced back to a series of anti-tourism protests that have taken place on the island, most notably in July 2024 and June 2025. These demonstrations, which saw up to 10,000 protesters, have left a significant impact on the local economy.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Mallorca's economy, and the current situation is causing concern for many businesses. The retail sector, in particular, is experiencing a dip in revenue, with losses ranging between 10% and 20%. This downturn is not only affecting the capital, Palma de Mallorca, but also former tourism hotspots such as Capdepera.
The president of the Restaurants Association in Mallorca (CAEB), Carmen Planas, has been vocal about her criticism of those seeking to drive down "touristificatión" through newsworthy acts of civil disobedience. Meanwhile, the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) has initiated a "positive communications campaign" to thank tourists for their visits, aiming to counteract what they call "tourismophobia." Pimeco, Mallorca's small business association, has also launched a campaign to rehabilitate the island's image with tourists.
The decline in tourist arrivals is not only affecting the hospitality sector. Excursion bookings have fallen by 20%, particularly in popular destinations like Valldemossa, Palma, and Port de Soller. Some restaurants are serving 40% fewer covers, and tourist transport services are down by a similar percentage.
Interestingly, some restaurants are granting staff holiday leave during the peak season, a rare occurrence in the industry. The absence of visitors from the US and domestic tourists from mainland Spain in traditionally popular areas has been noticeable.
Despite the decline, tourism minister Jaume Bauzà maintains that Mallorca is still a top choice of destination. However, the perception that tourists are no longer welcome seems to be contributing to the decline in tourist arrivals. British, German, and Asian shoppers are reportedly staying away from Mallorca, with Pedro Fiol, head of the travel agency group Aviba, stating that there are significantly fewer visitors from important source markets like the UK and Germany.
The protests have spurred policy responses such as increased tourism taxes in the Balearic Islands to better manage visitor impact. There is also a noted trend toward increased bookings in off-peak periods, possibly as tourists adjust their travel to be less impactful or avoid protest periods.
In summary, the anti-tourism protests in Mallorca have led to a measurable dip in visitor arrivals and economic activity during peak months, affecting hotels and retail businesses. The island’s tourism sector is responding with messaging campaigns and hopes for balancing visitor numbers through off-peak demand shifts and regulatory adjustments.
- To counteract the decline in tourist arrivals, the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) initiated a "positive communications campaign" to express gratitude towards tourists.
- The decline in tourist arrivals extends beyond the hospitality sector, also affecting excursion bookings, particularly in popular destinations like Valldemossa, Palma, and Port de Soller.
- Some restaurants on the island are offering staff holiday leave during the peak season, an uncommon practice in the industry.
- British, German, and Asian shoppers are reportedly avoiding Mallorca due to the perception that tourists are no longer welcome, according to Pedro Fiol, head of the travel agency group Aviba.
- In response to the protests, tourism minister Jaume Bauzà maintains that Mallorca remains a popular tourist destination but acknowledges the impact of the protests on visitor numbers.
- To better manage visitor impact, increased tourism taxes have been implemented in the Balearic Islands.
- Some tourists are adjusting their travel to be less impactful by booking in off-peak periods, possibly to avoid protest periods.
- The President of the Restaurants Association in Mallorca (CAEB), Carmen Planas, criticizes those seeking to reduce "touristificatión" through civil disobedience.
- Pimeco, Mallorca's small business association, has launched a campaign to improve the island's image with tourists.
- The decline in tourist arrivals has caused concern for many businesses in Mallorca, with the retail sector experiencing a dip in revenue between 10% and 20%.
- Excursion transport services are down by a similar percentage due to the drop in visitor arrivals and bookings.
