Brits in Spain issued with fresh warning as anti-tourists brand them ‘annoying’

A leading young activist in Majorca has vowed to continue anti-tourism protests until decision-makers heed residents’ demands and warned Brits to be aware of the “local problems caused by tourism”

Brits planning a trip to Majorca should brace themselves for ongoing anti-tourism demonstrations, warns a prominent young activist. Seventeen year old Jaume Pujol, dubbed the Greta Thunberg of the anti-tourism movement, insists that the island remains swamped with tourists despite the protests.

Speaking to Metro, he said: “This summer has not been any quieter. Despite hotel owners and businesspeople trying to deny it, the situation of overcrowding and overtourism on our island has been the same.

“We didn’t have a specific target group of British tourists. The aim of the protests is to put a limit on the over-tourism and commercialisation of our island and to reduce the number of tourists. These demands are directed at our local governments which have, so far, ignored them. The direct message to holidaymakers is be aware of the local problems caused by tourism.”

Jaume did concede that certain behaviours from tourists, including Brits, could irk locals. “There are behaviours that can be annoying but our island receives many tourists of all different types, so we can’t generalise,” he clarified.

The young campaigner, who has been interviewed by several major media outlets, pledged to keep up the protests until authorities heed the residents’ calls.

He told the publication: “I would say that obviously what will make us stop protesting will be victory, but victory is quite a long way off.

“The ultimate victory would be a change in our island’s socioeconomic model that involves economic diversification and a decrease in tourism. Until then, if tourists still decide to come here for their holiday, they can do so with more respect for the island and its residents.”

Restaurant and bar proprietors in Majorca have slammed the anti-tourism demonstrators, holding countless protests over recent months responsible for a massive collapse in business.

CAEB, which speaks for business proprietors across Spain’s Balearic islands, expressed hopes that September “will save the season” following a dramatic slump in transactions since May. It emerged last month that beach bars, parasol rental firms, and water sports operators experienced a 20% decline in July compared to 2024.

The Association of Temporary Services Concessions and Operations in the Maritime-Terrestrial Public Domain of Mallorca (Adopuma) pointed the finger at increasingly hostile language directed at visitors – including Brits – from anti-tourism activists.

Adopuma has cautioned that the island’s economy is being driven to crisis point as a consequence.

Miguel Pérez-Marsá, chief of the nightlife association, revealed to the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.”