Canary Islands and Majorca to unite to ‘combat’ tourism problems

Local governments in the Balearic and Canary Islands are planning to “coordinate action” against mass tourism, according to local news reports. It comes after demonstrations were held across both holiday destinations throughout 2024, with residents raising concerns over the impact of tourism on the islands. According to local news site Majorca Daily Bulletin, the tourism authorities are “in talkies to coordinate action” and are “creating a united front to combat the biggest tourism problems at a social and political level”. Among the major concerns in both of the Spanish destinations are the rise of illegal property rentals, overcrowding and the impact of visitors on local infrastructure. A demonstration against mass tourism in the Canary Islands in April 2024 (Image: AP) The aim of the two autonomous communities coming together is to “mutually benefit” each other by sharing knowledge and how they draft laws and regulations. It will also mean that the destinations have “greater security” in possible legal approaches that may be opposed by the private sector or state administrations. According to Majorca Daily Bulletin, meetings will be held around every six months between island councils and local councils, with the private sector also participating. It’s said to be an initiative that the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Government of the Balearics has been working on for several months. A protest at a beach in Majorca against mass tourism (Image: Getty Images) The Balearic government has both the backing of the Mallorca Hotel Federation and the support of the president of the Hotel and Non-Hotel Association of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, Ashotel, Jorge Marichal, Jorge Marichal. The Balearic and Canary Islands are not alone with their concerns over mass-tourism. It’s also been an issue in popular holiday resorts in mainland Spain with visitors linked to rising housing prices and overcrowding. Local governments have launched measures to combat the increase in visitors, including tourist taxes, while some areas such as Malaga are banning the registration of new holiday rental properties. For more of today's top stories, click here.

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