Anti-tourism organizations in Mallorca have ignited controversy with the release of a handbook that encourages protesters to target businesses within the tourism sector. The guide, published by groups such as Menys Turisme, Més Vida ('Less Tourism, More Life') and Arran Mallorca, outlines methods for identifying potential targets for "non-violent direct action" against what they describe as a "system that is suffocating us."
Potential targets suggested in the "Manual for Action Against Touristification" include tourism signage, real estate agencies, and hotels. The manual reportedly offers advice on tactics such as blocking access points for holiday rentals, planning escape routes, scouting locations, and avoiding security cameras. Protesters are also advised on attire, recommending dark, loose clothing and face coverings to obscure identities, and to cover distinguishing features like tattoos and piercings. The guide also suggests pre-planning roles for participants, such as lookouts.
The publication has provoked strong condemnation from major tourism industry bodies in the Balearic Islands. The Majorca Hoteliers Federation, the College of Estate Agents, and the Confederation of Balearic Business Associations (CAEB) have all denounced the manual. A statement attributed to the hotel federation stated that while there are many ways to advocate for an idea, "not all ways of doing so are valid," and characterized the guidance as escalating from disagreement to "vandalism and sabotage." The president of the College of Estate Agents reportedly commented that the manual "does not contribute to public debate; it fuels a climate of confrontation that benefits no one." The CAEB described the guidance as encouraging intimidating actions and deemed them unjustified.
The release of the manual precedes planned demonstrations against overtourism across the Balearic Islands, scheduled for July 26. This is not the first instance of significant public action against the island's tourism model. Earlier in July, approximately 10,000 people participated in a protest at a coastal beauty spot, calling for greater protection of natural areas. This demonstration, organized by groups including GOB, Terraferida, and Menys Turisme Menys Vida, expressed fears that relaxed planning rules could lead to increased construction of hotels and apartments, as well as infrastructure projects. Protesters formed a human chain at the natural beach of S'Arenal de sa Ràpita, chanting slogans such as "Who wants Mallorca does not destroy it."
Balearic government president Marga Prohens has dismissed concerns about a lack of protection as "hoaxes," while the Minister of Agriculture, Joan Simonet, released a video asserting the area's protection. Protests against mass tourism have been occurring for several years. In May, demonstrations took place across the archipelago, including in Tenerife, where participants blew shells and banged drums, chanting slogans like "El dinero del turismo, where is it?" Tourists reported feeling unnerved, with some staying in their accommodations to avoid the demonstrations.
In October 2024, a protest in Tenerife saw hundreds of demonstrators divert from their planned route to occupy Troya Beach.