Wednesday, August 28, 2024 In response to growing protests against overtourism, Majorca has unveiled a new campaign aimed at repairing the island’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination. The “We Love Tourism” initiative, launched by the ADED Association of Distributors, seeks to counteract the negative impact of anti-tourism activism that has surged across the Mediterranean island. This year, Majorca has seen a record 14 million visitors, prompting local residents to voice their concerns about the strain on resources and infrastructure.
Protesters have taken to occupying beaches and demonstrating in the streets of Palma, the island’s capital, to demand better management of tourist numbers. In a bold move, some activists even placed fake closure signs on beaches to deter visitors, exacerbating tensions between locals and tourists. The new campaign is seen as a direct response to these protests, which have included graffiti with slogans like “Tourists go home” and “Kill a tourist.
” The ADED Association, while acknowledging issues such as parking shortages and illegal accommodations, emphasizes that hostility towards tourists is not the solution. Instead, they argue that tourism remains the “economic engine” of the Balearic Islands, and preserving Majorca’s image as a friendly and respectful destination is crucial for the island’s economic well-being. Political divisions have surfaced in the wake of the protests, with the right-wing party Vox supp.