Mallorca, often celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is in an unflattering spotlight. The renowned travel publication Fodor’s Guide has included the island in its annual list of the ‘Ten Worst Tourists of the Year’ due to an incident that occurred last May in Calvià.
The event, involving British tourists, has sparked a broader discussion about excessive tourism and its impact on Mallorca’s reputation.
Fodor’s guide and its global influence
Fodor’s Guide is a respected authority in the travel world, particularly within English-speaking markets. The publication is known for its candid insights and assessments of global tourism trends. In recent years, it has drawn attention to the challenges faced by over-touristed destinations. These include Mallorca, which it describes as suffering from “unsustainable popularity.”
Adding to its criticism, Fodor’s included Mallorca in its infamous ‘worst tourists’ ranking. This list highlights egregious tourist behaviours that mark the reputation of beloved destinations. For Mallorca, the tipping point was a violent altercation involving intoxicated British tourists at Illetes Beach. This altercation followed numerous cases of ‘balconing’, which involves jumping from one balcony to another or into a pool from a balcony. This has led to injuries and even fatalities, prompting the local government to ban such behaviour.
The incident at Illetes Beach
Ranked seventh on Fodor’s list, the incident unfolded during a bachelor party celebration. A group of British tourists initiated a brawl at a beach club in Illetes after being confronted for littering beer cans into the sea. The altercation escalated, with the tourists clashing with fellow beachgoers, police officers, and local staff. The brawl left two police officers and a restaurant employee injured, requiring medical attention. Eight of the aggressors were arrested.
Global reaction to the ‘Worst Tourists’ List
Fodor’s list has drawn international attention, with other infamous incidents also making headlines. For example, tourists have caused significant damage and outrage by engaging in reckless and disrespectful behaviours, such as playing paintball in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, posing nude in Namibia’s desert landscapes, or fighting over selfies at Mount Everest. One particularly alarming case involved a man harassing a bison in Yellowstone National Park.