Majorca anti-tourism protests backfire as desperate hotels now begging Americans to visit | World | News
Despite mounting unrest and protests surrounding anti-tourism in Majorca, plans are steaming ahead to attract more visitors from America to the popular holiday spot.
Majorca continues to be one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, with mounting disdain from locals regarding overtourism, seemingly unperturbed by tourism leaders in the region.
So much so that, in 2025, the Palma 365 Tourism Foundation will consider targeting the North American market for tourists to visit Majorca, as reported in the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The foundation’s budget for 2025 is set at £1.23 million (1.5 million euros), which will be used to attract Americans to visit Majorca.
Deputy mayor and councillor for tourism Javier Bonet recently spoke about this new initiative on Tuesday, December 11. He described the US market as having “one of the best profiles” regarding spending.
Bonet said, “It is a very interesting market for Palma,” as he described America’s interest in the popular Spanish spot’s heritage, culture and gastronomy.
United Airlines will increase its weekly New York flights to the Spanish destination from three to four next summer.
The Majorcan town hall’s objective is to have flights all year round.
Alongside additional flights, the Palma 365 Tourism Foundation will also consider having a communications agency in New York, as seen in London, Madrid, and Berlin.
These changes will be a host of other activities to help boost tourism in Majorca which will also include a promotional trip to New York in February 2025.
Tour operators and specialist travel press will also be put in place to boost Majorca as the top holiday destination for Americans as reports find the US market is none the wiser as to ongoing protests in Majorca.
According to a survey of 1,000 Americans released by Majorca’s tourism board, roughly 90% of US travellers reported being completely unaware of demonstrations that have taken place this year.
The survey also revealed that only 11% had heard about Spanish protests to reduce tourism, 30% stated they were less likely to consider a trip to Majorca because of this, and 69% declared these protests would have no impact at all on their decision to holiday there.
Director of the Majorca Tourism Board, Susanna Sciacovelli said: “The information about the protests hasn’t really reached that much.
“Those who were already paying attention to news about Spain or Mallorca may be more aware than the general US public.”
She added how the US market “is very committed to sustainability and seeks out the things we want to promote”.
