In a heartfelt initiative to counteract the growing hostility towards tourists in Mallorca, a group of residents, predominantly from Palma, have formed a platform to express their gratitude to visitors. Their message is clear: “Closing our island to tourists is not the solution.”
The newly launched website, welovetourismmallorca.com, serves as the digital heart of this initiative. Here, the group articulates their stance, stating, “Mallorcans have relied on tourism for a long time.” The residents, who have chosen to remain anonymous for the time being, emphasise the importance of common sense, cautioning against “biting the hand that feeds us.”
Actions speak louder than words
As reported by Majorca Daily Bulletin, in a proactive demonstration of their appreciation, members of the platform took to the streets on Sunday, coinciding with a protest against overcrowding. They placed stickers on demonstrators’ posters and handed out cards to tourists, each bearing the heartfelt message: “We love you.”
Additionally, some members ventured into central areas of Palma, where tourists typically gather, to personally distribute these cards, reinforcing their message of gratitude and support.
Addressing the overcrowding problem
“WeLoveTourismMallorca” acknowledges the issue of overcrowding but firmly believes that tourists are not solely to blame. Their website states, “The situation is complex with many variables, so we cannot demonise tourism alone, as it is the main engine of our islands’ economy. More parameters should be analysed and other perspectives considered.”
The platform’s proposals include seeking community input to tackle these issues: “We invite society to share their opinions and suggestions on tackling these problems. Together, we can find a better future for all.”
A call for constructive dialogue
The residents behind WeLoveTourismMallorca are calling for a balanced approach. They encourage the public to submit proposals through a form on their website, which they plan to present at a negotiation table organised by the Balearic Government. They emphasise that this is a civil society initiative with no political affiliations.
Promoting harmony and affection
In their concluding message, the platform underscores their desire to improve life in Mallorca without sacrificing their main source of income: tourism. “We do not consider tourists to be the cause of all our problems, and it is not advisable to resort to the easy solution of blaming them. Therefore, we open this dialogue to try to offer solutions and not demonise our visitors in a general way.”