As the summer season draws closer, British tourists are setting their sights on where they want to holiday next. For many Majorcan residents, however, the prospect is not so exciting. 

In fact, many platforms campaigning against the current tourism model and overcrowding on the largest of the Balearic Islands have vowed to ramp up their anti-tourism efforts, including Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life). With the possibility of visitors being made to feel even less welcome in Majorca’s cities or on its beaches, many tourists are now saying they will never return to the beautiful Spanish island. 

The prospect of an even higher tourist tax, including surcharges on hire cars, as proposed by the Balearic Government, is also becoming a major sticking point. This has led tourists to exclaim that island holidays on the other side of the world are cheaper, despite being several thousand miles further away. 

The Majorca Daily Bulletin took to Facebook to ask its readers whether they would still come on holiday to Majorca – and the results were mixed. 

“No… 21 years and coming twice a year,” said one, “But not coming back.”

“Yes still coming but only once […] going to Greece early summer and my usual Hotel in Mallorca later this summer – luckily I booked it last September but if I booked the same holiday now it’s nearly £1,000 more expensive,” added another.

“Been coming to Mallorca since 1990 […] owned an apartment […] sold it in 2019. I might go to Greece next year depending on holiday this year! It’s cheaper to go to [the] Caribbean.”

“Getting too expensive so no Spain I will be giving a miss until prices come down. Tourist tax is a complete rip off,” added a third. 

Some pointed the blame at the government instead of the protesters: “No. It’s so changed now. I totally understand as I lived there for 15 years, but it’s the fault of the mallorquin government…not the extranjeros!!” 

One particularly angry commenter wrote: “Nope. Overpriced. Rip-off shops. £20 for a sun bed and brolley. Water quality suspect, especially in Alcudia. 

“People don’t want me there so fine, I’ll go somewhere else. I’ve been going to Porto Pollensa since 2003, always loved our holidays there, never felt so unwelcome as I did year before last, so that’s it for me.”

Not all have been put off by the costs, however. One said: “Of course [they will still come to Majorca]. Best place in Europe. Prices need to go up to balance damage of tourism vs nature and give local staff a living. If someone does not want to see this, please stay home or go somewhere else”. 

“Yes I love Majorca especially Alcudia,” added a second. “I’ve never had a problem coming to Majorca and have holidayed on and off since 1980.”

One woman who said that while they will be visiting this year like she and her family have done for over 30 years, admitted that the price rises are driving them to look elsewhere: “Yes booked for July. But hotels and flights get more expensive every year. It’s not really aimed at families with all price hikes. 

“[…] Majorca was always a family-friendly island but with price rises every year might be time to look elsewhere.”