Almost all residents of Mallorca directly associate tourism with rising prices, this being a finding from a study of the social sustainability of tourism. 98.4% of residents, based on a survey of 440, are of this opinion.
The survey was by Fundament, a not-for-profit organisation that addresses issues of social coexistence. The third survey of its kind, the president, Frank Hoeft, says: "The 2024 edition of our study marks a turning point in the relationship between Mallorcan society and tourism. The data show that social unrest not only persists but has intensified significantly, manifesting itself both in perceptions and in the active mobilisation of the population."
Another finding is that 97.7% of respondents believe that Mallorca's economy would be more resilient with a greater diversity of industries. "There is a consensus," Hoeft notes, "that extends to those working in the tourism sector."
For the first time, the survey indicates that more than half of respondents (51.6%) report having participated in a tourism-related demonstration or activity during the year (2024). Over 70% of respondents believe that both the government and tourism companies must jointly assume responsibility for the side effects of tourism in Mallorca.
"The report shows a significant increase in public discontent with regard to the effects of the current tourism model. It also reveals a polarisation in visions of the future. While a significant group explicitly rejects every aspect of the current tourism model, another sector advocates preserving elements such as ecological balance and local sovereignty in tourism decisions."
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Morgan WilliamsExcellent and accurate analysis. The particularly unfortunate consequence of this is that it hinders, by creating division and misinformation, constructive dialogue, perspective and action that could lead to positive solutions that benefit the people that most need them.
Morgan WilliamsTotally agree to your comments. Repeat, Repeat and Repeat, no matter what and suddenly - it's the truth!
RobertoHow come that Mallorca during all 25 years, and earlier on, never tried to put a real effort of creating and attracting companies, with well qualified jobs? There might be some but obviously not enough. I think it's somewhat unfair to blame it all on tourists. After all the tourist money has given Mallorca plenty of income but the governments have not used these money wisely to help the local population. It's easy to blame one group only (the tourists) rather than look at the whole picture.
RobertoRoberto, you claim that the "data is there to see", proving that tourists and ex-pats have "impoverished" the Balearics. Which "data" are you referring to? I'd love to take a look...
It started as a small group of anti-tourism protestors who managed to achieve widespread media coverage with a few protests, some outrageous graffiti and a bit of tourist harassment. The MDB is among those routinely headlining these sentiments, along with the local Spanish and Mallorquin press, and above all, English tabloids print these stories daily, often exaggerated to absurdity. Now it's apparently become a mainstream sentiment here, although the actual root of the grievance has little to do with tourism - as has been proven over and over again. Trump for example, leverages this tactic consistently. Just one example is his insistence that countries all over the world regularly empty their prisons and mental institutions and send them to the US. Although there's not a shred of evidence to support it, those who eventually buy it will fabricate their own evidence and post it on social media, which is often picked up by mainstream media. And so it repeats itself again. Stories like the one claiming immigrants eating people's pets - which again, no verifiable evidence of this has ever been found. But many people now believe it, and many view "foreigners" as criminals and misfits. The statement "just say it over and over and it becomes the truth" reflects the concept known as the illusory truth effect. This effect describes how repeatedly hearing a statement, even if it's false, can increase the likelihood that people will believe it to be true. Here's a more detailed explanation: Repetition and Familiarity: The more a statement is repeated, the more familiar it becomes, and familiarity can lead people to perceive it as more truthful, according to a study in 2015. Processing Fluency: Repeated statements are easier to process and recall, which can create an impression that they are more accurate, according to the Wikipedia article on the illusory truth effect. Falsehoods and the Illusion of Truth: Even if people initially know a statement is false, repeated exposure can create a false sense of familiarity and make them more likely to believe it, according to a study by researchers at Vanderbilt University. Impact Across Age Groups: Research has shown that the illusory truth effect is not limited to adults; even children can be susceptible to believing repeated false statements, according to Vanderbilt University. In essence, the idea that "just say it over and over and it becomes the truth" highlights the power of repetition in shaping people's perceptions of truth, even when it's based on false information
Charles Dalrymple-ChumleySo Charles, those places are a few in central Palma, are you sure of that? As a spaniard and 97% of us dont feel that way. Been too open to tourism and "expats" have impoverished the balerics for 25 years, the data is there to see. Of course the goverment is mainly at fault for this but tourists and "expats" are too. Starting to look at the mirror and realise the impact we all have is a good first step. Saying "the goverment isnt stopping us well enough" is kind of lazy
Yet another article showing that Mallorcians need to think before they act. It is true that there are clearly retailers and eateries in central Palma who are pricing for the tourist not the local. But a brief view of their menu will reveal this and those who object to the higher prices can find alternatives. It's the same in every city worldwide which has a high level of tourism. Locals simply avoid shopping and eating in the tourist-focussed places. It's not rocket science.