Malle plans to eliminate Sauf-Touris!
In the sun-soaked island of Mallorca, TUI, a leading travel company, is facing a storm of criticism due to its involvement in mass tourism. The worsening housing crisis for the local middle and working classes has become a central issue, with protesters and critics targeting TUI and other tourism operators, accusing them of contributing to rising rents and housing scarcity on the island [1][2].
The local protests have been attributed by TUI representatives to housing problems rather than tourism per se, but the connection is widely acknowledged. The middle and working-class populations are struggling with excessive rent increases, which many believe are exacerbated by the tourism-driven demand for property and accommodation [1][2]. This issue is a central theme in the political debate and has led to calls for involving civil society and tourism stakeholders in reforming Mallorca's tourism model [2].
The growing social criticism is also reflected in the declining reputation of Mallorca’s tourism sector. The reputation drop is linked to the negative impacts of mass tourism on local infrastructure, social stability, and residents' quality of life. In 2025, the reputation reached an all-time low due to mounting public dissatisfaction and protests disrupting normal operations [4].
The conflict demonstrates that tourism has become a political issue, with politicians like Manfred Pentz, Hesse's Minister of Europe, warning the Spanish government not to "hold German tourists hostage for internal Spanish problems" [3]. Berlin officials are also alarmed by the xenophobic and anti-German slogans against tourists on Mallorca [3].
Despite the growing tensions, Mallorca remains a popular travel destination for Germans. TUI continues to promote trips to El Arenal, Mallorca, despite the controversy. However, many locals, including those who enjoy a drink, are no longer welcome in areas popular with tourists, such as the Playa de Palma [5].
The debate surrounding German tourists on Mallorca remains tense, with TUI sticking to its offer while politicians call for a change of mindset. A crisis summit took place on July 16th between TUI representatives, including top manager Ellerbeck, Minister Pentz, and the Balearic Prime Minister Marga Prohens, focusing on the causes of the protests and possible measures [1].
The meeting marked a significant step towards addressing the issues at hand, but the road to resolution is long. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to tourism that prioritises the well-being of local communities and residents, ensuring that they benefit equitably from the tourism industry.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/tui-faces-political-social-criticism-mallorca-over-mass-tourism-2022-07-20/ [2] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jul/19/tui-facing-backlash-over-mass-tourism-in-mallorca [3] https://www.dw.com/en/mallorca-tourism-crisis-german-tourists-face-growing-xenophobia/a-61791508 [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61692311 [5] https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tui-mallorca-protests-tourism-b2115161.html
- The worsening housing crisis and its connection to tourism have become a central theme in Mallorca's political debate, leading to calls for involving civil society and tourism stakeholders in reforming Mallorca's tourism model.
- The reputation of Mallorca’s tourism sector has been declining due to the negative impacts of mass tourism on local infrastructure, social stability, and residents' quality of life, as evidenced by mounting public dissatisfaction and protests disrupting normal operations.
- Despite the growing tensions between TUI and local residents, Mallorca continues to be a popular travel destination for Germans, but the debate surrounding the treatment of German tourists on Mallorca remains tense, with TUI sticking to its travel offerings while politicians call for a change of mindset.
