Major Spanish holiday hotspot issues plea to UK holidaymakers

A mayor in Majorca has issued a plea to UK travellers saying “all Brits are welcome” following anti-tourism protests held across the Balearic Islands in recent weeks. The mayor of Calvia, a municipality in the island which includes holiday hotspot Magaluf, insisted that tourists should still come to the region.

The mayor said that although there was backlash among locals against the behaviour of some tourists, there was not negative sentiment towards all visitors to the area. He said: “We want people to enjoy their holidays with respect between tourists and residents”, Majorca Daily Bulletin reports.

Magaluf is one of the largest tourism areas in the island but this May half term the resort was quieter than usual, leading to concern among local bar and restaurant owners. It followed a huge anti-tourism demonstration which took place in Majorca’s capital, Palma, on May 25.

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In a bid to improve the image of Magaluf, Calvia town hall is campaigning to promote tourism and responsibility. This includes a ‘Stick with your Mates’ campaign in association with the British Embassy.

Earlier this year the government of Spain’s Balearic Islands toughened laws on drinking at resorts in the island with fines of up to £1,300. The laws came into force in May and covered popular tourist destinations in Majorca and Ibiza, including Magaluf. The crackdown includes restrictions on when shops can sell alcohol, party boats and drinking in the street.

Throughout the spring anti-tourism protests have been held at several Spanish holiday destinations across the Canary and Balearic Islands. Locals have demonstrated against rising housing prices and the damage to