16-year-old Greta Thunberg fan wants to rid holiday destination of tourists

A movement against mass tourism has formed in Mallorca , led by 16-year-old Jaume Pujol. Thousands of people are now participating in the protests, which have also taken place in other European holiday regions such as the Canary Islands and northern Spain.

Jaume's commitment is motivated, among other things, by his admiration for climate activist Greta Thunberg . "The tourism model, whether luxury or mass tourism, suffocates us year after year, drains economic and residential resources, destroys the territory, exploits the working class, contributes to the climate crisis, and destroys our communities," Pujol is quoted as saying by Diario de Mallorca .

According to the Daily Mail , the protests are part of a network against excessive tourism led by 49-year-old Daniel Pardo. Pujol belongs to the group "Menys Turisme, Mes Vida" and was at the center of the demonstrations in Palma last week.

Mallorca is currently preparing for a record-breaking season: The popular opening parties at Bierkönig and Megapark officially kicked off the holiday season on April 24. Industry experts expect visitor numbers to surpass all previous records.

They point out that the "right to adequate housing" in the Balearic Islands is increasingly a luxury – not only for locals, but also for many workers and young families.

• Higher tourist taxes: In the Balearic Islands, the overnight tax will rise to up to 5.85 euros per person per night. In Barcelona, ​​it is set to rise to 14.38 euros by the end of 2025. Children under 16 are exempt.
• Strict beach rules: In Gran Canaria, fines of up to 500 euros are possible for collecting shells, playing loud music, or smoking on the beach. Reserving sunbeds with towels is prohibited in Mallorca.
• Alcohol sales restricted: In Mallorca and Ibiza, alcohol may no longer be sold between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. – neither in shops nor from vending machines.
• Party boats banned: Parties on boats are no longer permitted within one nautical mile of certain zones in the Balearic Islands – a targeted step against excessive party tourism.