Residents of Mallorca are expressing gratitude towards tourists amidst growing protests against mass tourism on the Spanish island. While thousands protest in Palma de Mallorca for changes to the touristic model they believe is harmful, another group launched WeLoveTourismMallorca.com to thank tourists for choosing Mallorca.
The platform aims to counter the growing hostility towards tourists by promoting a message of support and affection. Despite acknowledging the challenges of over-tourism, the group emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach and community input in finding solutions. Experts have proposed measures like requiring approval from local residents’ associations for tourist rental flats and imposing a tourist tax for tourism management.
With a record number of 17.8 million visitors in 2023, the urgency to address the impacts of over-tourism is evident in mass protests across the Balearic Islands. Initiatives like WeLoveTourismMallorca.com hope to foster a nuanced discussion for a future where tourism benefits both visitors and residents.