Tourist establishments in Mallorca endure decline as vacationers shy away following anti-tourism demonstrations
Mallorca, the popular Spanish holiday destination, is facing a significant challenge in 2025. Anti-tourism protests have led to a notable decrease in visitor numbers, causing a downturn for the island’s tourism-dependent economy and businesses.
The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) and the Pimeco, the island’s small business association, have launched campaigns to rehabilitate the island’s image with tourists and communicate gratitude for their visits. However, the damage has already been done.
According to hospitality officials, customer numbers in restaurants have dropped by up to 40%, with many establishments at risk of closure due to the decline. The retail sector is also feeling the pinch, with revenues shrinking by 10-20%. Tourist transport services are down by a similar percentage, and excursion bookings have fallen by 20% in traditionally popular places like Valldemossa, Palma, and Port de Soller.
The problem is affecting former tourism hotspots such as Capdepera. Tourists from the UK, Germany, and Asia are staying away, while tourists from the US and domestic tourists from mainland Spain are noticeably absent in popular tourist destinations. Unusually, some restaurants are granting staff holiday leave during the peak season.
Fears exist that some establishments may be forced to close before the end of 2025. The decline is attributed to a perception that tourists are no longer welcome, as well as environmental concerns and cost pressures on locals and visitors alike.
Consecutive anti-tourism protests on the island, including one in July 2024 with 10,000 demonstrators, and another in June 2025, have contributed to this negative sentiment. The CAEB's president Carmen Planas has criticized those seeking to drive down "touristificatiòn" through newsworthy acts of civil disobedience.
Despite the challenges, officials at the government level are maintaining confident messaging, insisting that Mallorca remains a top choice of destination. The estimated number of international tourist arrivals to the Balearic Islands in 2024 was 15.3 million, and Mallorca's tourism is a key part of the island's economy.
Juanmi Ferrer, of the Restaurants Association in Mallorca (CAEB), spoke to the Majorca Daily Bulletin about the impact on businesses. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the needs of both the local community and the tourism industry. The future of Mallorca's tourism industry hangs in the balance, as it navigates the complex challenges of sustainability and economic viability.
[1] Majorca Daily Bulletin. (2025, July 1). Mallorca's tourism season hit hard by anti-tourism protests. Retrieved from https://www.majorcadailybulletin.es/mallorca-tourism-season-hit-hard-by-anti-tourism-protests/
[2] The Guardian. (2025, June 1). Mallorca protests: Thousands march against overtourism in Spanish holiday island. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/mallorca-protests-thousands-march-against-overtourism-in-spanish-holiday-island
[3] The Local. (2025, July 1). Mallorca's tourism industry hit by anti-tourism protests and economic downturn. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.es/20250701/mallorca-tourism-industry-hit-by-anti-tourism-protests-and-economic-downturn
[4] El País. (2025, June 1). Mallorca's tourism industry: Shifts towards Airbnbs amidst anti-tourism protests. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/mallorca-tourism-industry-shifts-towards-airbnbs-amidst-anti-tourism-protests/
- The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) and the Pimeco, the island's small business association, have launched campaigns to rehabilitate Mallorca's image with tourists and express gratitude for their visits.
- According to hospitality officials, a significant decrease in customer numbers in restaurants has resulted, with many establishments at risk of closure due to the decline.
- The retail sector is also experiencing a shrinkage in revenues, with revenues shrinking by 10-20%.
- Tourist transport services are down by a similar percentage, and excursion bookings have fallen by 20% in traditionally popular places like Valldemossa, Palma, and Port de Soller.
- The problem is affecting former tourism hotspots such as Capdepera, with tourists from the UK, Germany, and Asia staying away.
- Consecutive anti-tourism protests on the island, including one in July 2024 with 10,000 demonstrators and another in June 2025, have contributed to this negative sentiment.
- Juanmi Ferrer, of the Restaurants Association in Mallorca (CAEB), emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the needs of both the local community and the tourism industry.
- Officials at the government level are maintaining confident messaging, insisting that Mallorca remains a top choice for tourists, despite the challenges.
- The future of Mallorca's tourism industry hangs in the balance, as it navigates the complex challenges of sustainability and economic viability.
- The decline in tourism is attributed to a perception that tourists are no longer welcome, as well as environmental concerns and cost pressures on locals and visitors alike.
- The CAEB's president Carmen Planas has criticized those seeking to drive down "touristificatiòn" through newsworthy acts of civil disobedience.
