What’s Happening on Mallorca?
A guide that sparked a debate
Recently a document called “Mach es auch. Aktionshandbuch gegen die Touristifizierung” started circulating online. It was shared by groups such as Menys Turisme, Més Vida and Arran Mallorca. The guide tells people how to target tourist‑related businesses—like holiday rentals, estate agencies, and hotel‑association posters—while trying to avoid police attention.
What the guide suggests
Step 1: Pick a target
The first part tells readers to identify places they see as symbols of gentrification. Examples mentioned are vacation‑rental offices, real‑estate ads, and any shop that looks like it’s pushing out locals.
Step 2: Prepare
The second section gives practical tips:
- Scope out the area and note where security cameras are.
- Plan a route and decide how to leave quickly if needed.
- Assign roles: who will act, who will film, who will watch the surroundings.
- Wear dark, loose clothing and cover any distinguishing marks like tattoos or piercings.
Step 3: Take action
The final part encourages “creative” direct actions, such as:
- Painting or sticking posters on building façades.
- Colour‑bombing objects.
- Blocking key‑boxes of holiday homes.
- Hanging the demo poster for the July 26 march against mass tourism.
The guide ends with a statement that the actions are meant to be non‑violent, but many see the advice as encouraging intimidation.
Social‑media crackdown
The platform X (formerly Twitter) suspended the account of Menys Turisme, Més Vida after the guide was posted. The group responded, saying authorities won’t stop the “legitimate fight of the Mallorcan people.”
Reactions from business groups
CAEB (Employers’ Association)
CAEB called the guide “provocative” and said it goes beyond acceptable protest. They warned that targeting businesses harms the islands’ main economic engine and asked the Balearic government’s delegation to investigate whether the document incites violence.
Hotel and rental associations
The “Fehm” hoteliers’ group and Habtur (the holiday‑rental association) echoed these concerns. Fehm argued that you can’t build a future by destroying what already exists, while Habtur said the guide destroys any chance of calm, democratic debate.
Why it matters to teens
Mallorca’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which brings jobs but also pushes up housing costs and changes neighbourhood life. Young people who live on the island may feel torn between wanting to protect their community and recognizing that tourism supports many families. The clash over‑guide shows how some activists are trying to make their voices heard, but the methods they propose raise questions about safety, legality, and the best way to create change.
Conclusion
The controversy around the “action guide” highlights a growing tension on Mallorca between preserving local culture and benefiting from tourism. While the groups behind the guide say they are pursuing peaceful direct action, business organisations and officials view the advice as crossing the line into intimidation. As the July 26 demonstration approaches, the island will be watching to see how the debate unfolds and whether dialogue can replace confrontation.
For more details, see the original report:
Images Credit: www.mallorcamagazin.com