The stunning Balearic island of Majorca has been named the European destination where British tourists are most likely to be targeted by anti-tourism protesters
The stunning island of Majorca, a favourite amongst millions of holidaymakers, has been dubbed the European destination where Brits are least welcome. The picturesque Balearic island received an ‘unfriendliness rating’ of 8/10 in a list of Europe’s most unwelcoming spots for British tourists.
This follows massive protests in mainland Spain, with thousands marching on Barcelona’s La Rambla, brandishing signs such as “Tourism kills the city” and “Tourists out of our neighbourhoods. Some protesters took things further – attacking tourists dining at restaurants on La Rambla with water pistols.
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However, pretty Majorca has seen similar protests on pretty much a weekly basis. And the island topped The Telegraph’s list of holiday destinations where British tourists are least wanted.
It comes after last year more than 10,000 people marched in Palma de Majorca to protest against tourism.
Some demonstrators escalated their actions, targeting tourists dining at La Rambla restaurants with water pistols. However, beautiful Majorca has experienced similar protests almost weekly.
The island topped The Telegraph’s list of holiday destinations where British tourists are least desired. This comes after more than 10,000 people marched in Palma de Majorca in May to protest against tourism.
This was followed by “occupations” at St Rapita Beach and Caló des Moro cove in June, where protesters encouraged tourists to depart. More anti-tourism protests are planned in Palma de Majorca later this month, on July 21 – just as UK schools break up and families jet off for their summer holidays.
Protest groups have discussed potentially blockading Palma Airport and surrounding roads, which could cause significant disruption for tourists this summer, reports the Express.
Ibiza’s Balearic sister, Majorca, may bask in the sun unhindered, but The White Isle has been suffering from such severe anti-tourism sentiments that hospitality workers are resorting to living in cars due to sky-high rents.
Yet it seems Barcelona is even less hospitable towards Brit holidaymakers, with The Telegraph assigning it a frosty hostility rating of 7/10. The city bears scars from intense protests against crowds of tourists overwhelming local life.
In a shockingly violent display against tourism, a band of masked assailants targeted a tour bus in Barcelona back in 2017, slashing tyres and spraying graffiti, an ordeal passengers mistook for a terrorist ambush at first.
Matching Barcelona’s chilly reception, Amsterdam’s dislike for tourists also scored 7/10 from The Telegraph. Interestingly, resistance there isn’t just from disgruntled locals; even the official channels are asking rowdy British revellers to veer off course.
Amsterdam’s municipal powers that be have publicly discouraged British party animals with their no-nonsense “Stay Away” campaign, specifically aiming at those who flock for weekends awash with stag dos and raucous parties.
Venice pitches in slightly friendlier than its counterparts, yet still touches a lukewarm 6/10 according to The Telegraph, while Croatia’s age-old gem, Split, stands on par with Venice on the hospitality thermometer.
On the sunny side of things, The Telegraph sings praises for Provence and Corfu, suggesting that these picturesque spots not only boast balmy climates but also where you’re likely to be met with open arms and warm smiles.