Panic in pretty island in Europe over too many tourists | World | News
The manager of a major hotel group has warned that Majorca is at “full capacity” and warned that “the only thing you can do is increase prices”. Joan Trian Riu, managing director of Riu Hotels and Resorts, said her firm was in a “privileged position” where prices were being increased to meet high demand on the largest Balearic island. Majorca welcomed more than 19 million visitors last year; Its population remained just under one million, and its population was 18.7 million in 2024, an increase compared to the previous year.
The increase comes despite an outbreak of anti-tourism protests and restrictions on the influx of foreigners, including a crackdown on illegal short-term rentals and limits on cruise ships. The reaction of Majorcan residents to this trend is due to the increase in house prices due to demand from abroad as well as the rising cost of living and strained local infrastructure.
Mr Riu warned that the unprecedented number of holidaymakers was leaving locals without basic needs and called for changes to ensure life on the island remained financially and logistically possible.
“We are operating at full capacity and the only thing you can do is increase prices,” he said. Majorca Daily Bulletin. “Majorca is a limited region and we know what happens during the peak tourist season.
“We also see traditional stores” [capital city] It’s disappearing in Palma or the towns and being replaced by international franchises or places that serve you avocado toast, which is more of the same thing.
“Society largely agrees on these issues, but bold decisions need to be made.”
“Do we have the carrying capacity?” he continued. “How do we define it and what measures do we take to make sure it’s delivered? It’s clear that this will not be sustainable if we do nothing.”
Mr Riu also called on Balearic authorities to ensure that funds from tourist taxes are used deliberately to tackle problems causing local unrest.
“It needs to be targeted in direct relation to reducing the negative impacts of tourism and improving the infrastructure affected by tourism activities,” he said.
While overall visitor numbers are set to reach a new peak in 2025, peak months have seen a moderate decline in visitor numbers compared to the previous year, offering hope that efforts to deter visitors are effective.
July saw an overall decline in visitor numbers of 0.8%; The percentage of British travelers fell further by 2.2%.
