Balearic authorities in Spain, met this week to discuss the issues of overtourism as the islands "no longer feel visited, but invaded". On June 27, key authorities, experts, hoteliers and environmentalists met to discuss the increasing issue of overtourism on the Balearic islands including Majorca and Ibiza. Concerns were raised over the scale of overtourism, the causes and the possible solutions.
Pedro Mas Bergas, the Council of Majorca's director for tourism governance and sustainability, revealed at the meeting that "right now we no longer feel visited, but invaded". He also pointed out that part of the problem was due to residents inviting family and friends to stay with them — something that he admitted was previously overlooked. Marga Prohens, president of the Balearic Government, said that the islands have "lost the social profitability of tourism.
We can no longer grow in volume. It is essential to listen to the citizens." The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that Fernando Valledares, a professor at Spain’s National Research Council, said: "A society that is exasperated or grumbling will do us no good.
" Environmentalist Margalida Ramis added that "one of the most reliable indicators of saturation on the islands is the discomfort on the streets". The meeting comes after weeks of protests on the islands, as locals have told tourists to "go home". Local residents have complained that visitors to islands are causing rising prices for rental properties, damaging the env.
