Around 30,000 protesters are expected to take part in a large demonstration in Palma, the capital of Majorca, this weekend as part of an ongoing campaign against the island's tourism industry and its impact on local housing. The group behind the protest, Less Tourism, More Life, aims to disrupt the city’s streets in an effort to draw attention to what it describes as an escalating housing crisis linked to the growth in holiday rentals and foreign buyers.

The demonstration, scheduled for Saturday evening, follows previous actions including a recent human chain of approximately 10,000 participants blocking access to the Playa Es Trenc beach, a popular tourist destination. Protesters have reportedly employed tactics such as spraying tourists with water pistols in earlier events to challenge the influx of visitors.

Representatives of Less Tourism, More Life argue that the surge in tourism and expat residents is driving up property prices, making it increasingly difficult for local inhabitants to afford housing. The group contends that without continued social mobilisation, pressures on housing, public services, cultural preservation, and working conditions will persist. A spokesperson stated that the protests seek to defend a broad range of local rights and the future welfare of Majorca.

Authorities are currently investigating the group’s online activity, which reportedly includes calls to obstruct Airbnb key boxes and to engage in vandalism against businesses associated with the tourism sector. Police have not disclosed further details but are monitoring the situation closely ahead of the demonstration.

The protests reflect growing tensions in Majorca between the benefits of tourism for the local economy and concerns among residents over its social and economic consequences. Local officials have acknowledged challenges related to housing affordability but have yet to announce new measures in response to the demonstrations.