Spain attracts many holidaymakers annually, with Brits making up a significant portion, drawn by the island’s sunshine and coastline, but a resident of one holiday hotspot has spoken out about a certain travel issue
Spain has long been a beloved getaway destination for Brits, thanks to its stunning sandy shores, crystal-clear waters and high temperatures with abundant sunshine during the summer months. Millions of holidaymakers flock to the European region annually, but recent months have seen local residents stage demonstrations to highlight the overtourism crisis plaguing their home.
The Spanish island of Majorca in particular regularly attracts vast numbers of visitors from Britain and Germany, but locals are bearing the brunt of mass tourism as many find themselves priced out of their properties in favour of more lucrative holiday rentals. Gina Mariavan, a Majorca native who offers guidance to tourists on TikTok, shares her perspectives on various subjects including the overtourism challenges facing the holiday hotspot.
She recently uploaded a clip to the platform showing a very lengthy queue of passengers waiting at a Majorca bus stop, stretching along the entire pavement.
Gina wrote: “Welcome to the Mallorca bus stop! Hunger Games start in 3…2…1…”
The Majorca local made reference to The Hunger Games book and film franchise, where participants battle against one another in a competition until just one survives.
The caption of Gina’s TikTok post states: “Public transport in Mallorca can be a great option! However, now during high season, prepare to wait a little!”
Lots of Spanish holidaymakers rely on public transport whilst exploring new destinations as a budget-friendly method to discover areas rather than splashing out on taxis but services can become overcrowded during peak periods such as summer when visitor numbers soar.
This proves frustrating for both residents and tourists as it results in extended wait times and jam-packed buses or trains.
Gina’s TikTok footage has racked up 338,500 views, 10,900 likes and more 200 comments at the time of writing.
One viewer commented: “I just came back from Mallorca. Spent [a] few hours in Palma and really people don’t know how to behave..
“As a tourist, I’m not surprised that all locals are complaining. Came back to Porto Colom asap. Completely different vibe and people there.”
Another contributed: “Living on Mallorca for 2.5 years now and I totally understand why locals hate tourists, they just look to themselves. People live here. People work here.”
A third remarked: “Locals cannot get a bus because of mass tourism. It will not end well.”
This was backed by a Majorca resident in the comments who added: “Thanks to people like you we can’t even go to work, thanks.”
Other viewers defended tourism against the criticism. One observed: “For all of you who complain about tourism: you live off of it, and if it’s not regulated, it’s the city council’s fault, not the tourists!”
A second declared: “The locals blaming tourists shows how very little they understand things.
“The lack of buses and infrastructure is your politicians fault for not investing in your local community. Tourism drives your economy.”
Responsible Travel reports that tourism makes up 45 per cent of Majorca’s economy. Post-pandemic, the island welcomed 14 million visitors, a significant number compared to its resident population of just under one million.