Brits Urged to ‘Go Home’ in Majorca as Anti-Tourist Graffiti Spreads
Following the surge of anti-tourist graffiti in the Canary Islands, Majorca is now experiencing similar sentiments. The latest incident occurred in a neighborhood that has seen a significant influx of foreign buyers, with the words ‘Go Home Tourist’ scrawled on a wall beneath a real estate promotion billboard.
Local residents have expressed concerns similar to those raised in the Canary Islands, citing difficulties in communicating with neighbors who primarily speak German and the conversion of apartments into holiday homes and rental properties. These issues have led to tensions and a backlash against foreign visitors.
Protests in the Canary Islands have drawn attention to the challenges faced by residents, including high prices, overcrowding, and environmental degradation. Six activists affiliated with the ‘Canary Islands on the Brink’ group have been on an ‘indefinite’ hunger strike, demanding sustainable tourism practices and a halt to controversial hotel projects.
Despite some British tourists supporting the concerns raised by islanders, others have criticized the protests, arguing that tourism is crucial for the local economy. In response to the backlash, a message in English was left on a wall next to an anti-tourist message, stating: ‘F*** off, we pay your wages.’
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has warned that a daily ‘tourist tax’ could be imposed to address the concerns of residents and promote sustainable tourism. Additionally, restrictions on foreign home ownership and a reduction in flights to the island are also being considered.
While the ecotax is not currently included in the government’s plans, the government is willing to consider suggestions. Tourists visiting the Balearic Islands, which include Majorca, Minorca, and Ibiza, already pay a daily tax between one and four euros if over 16 years old.
The anti-tourist movement has also extended to the popular Majorcan village of Deia, where the son of famous British poet and author Robert Graves expressed his doubts that his father would still live there due to the overcrowding and congestion. Robert Graves, who spent much of his life in Deia before it became a millionaire’s hideaway, would likely find the modern-day version of the village unappealing, according to his son.
The increasing number of visitors to idyllic holiday destinations is putting pressure on local communities, leading to demands for sustainable tourism practices and a balance between tourism and the well-being of residents.
