Anti-tourist protesters in Majorca are being warned to “be careful what they wish for” as experts worry about the effect this could have on Spain’s economy.
The protests, which have been escalating in recent weeks, have already caused anxiety among local businesses about the potential decline in tourist numbers this summer.
A recent poll conducted by Majorca Daily Bulletin revealed that around 44 percent of people are now reconsidering their holiday plans to the island.
This sentiment was echoed by a British holidaymaker who reported feeling “intimidated” by protesters in Palma last week who urged tourists to “go home”.
“If this survey is accurate, local protesters should be careful what they wish for,” Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency told the MailOnline.
“The Majorcan (and other local islands) economy relies heavily on tourism to create jobs and bring money into the region.
“It would be a disaster for the area if the protests, however valid, cut off the flow of visitors and reduce income.
“The solution is to work with local authorities on spreading the number of visitors into the shoulder seasons, so there is a flow of tourists throughout the year rather than be concentrated over the summer.”
Charles suggested that the solution lies in working with local authorities to distribute the influx of tourists more evenly throughout the year, rather than concentrating it in the summer months.
This approach, he believes, would help mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism while still supporting the local economy.
The protests are part of a broader wave of anti-tourism sentiment sweeping across Spain.
In Majorca, a recent demonstration saw around 10,000 protesters march through Palma, highlighting issues such as housing shortages and overcrowded beaches.
Rob Burley, a travel tour operator expert and founder of GP Traveller, expressed concern over the impact of these protests on visitor numbers.
He said: “The recent protests about housing and overtourism are definitely making some visitors hesitate about coming to Majorca this summer.”
According to the survey, nearly half of holidaymakers are rethinking their trip because of the demonstrations.
“As someone in the tourism industry, that’s a real concern,” Burley added.
“Majorca relies heavily on visitors, so if fewer people come it will really hurt hotels, restaurants, and shops.
“There needs to be a better balance that supports residents and visitors.”
The decline in interest is already evident.
According to airport transfer experts Hoppa, searches for Majorca are down by 15 percent year on year, while alternative destinations such as Turkey and Greece have seen searches increase by 45 percent and 35 percent, respectively.