Frustration is soaring in Ibiza as residents prepare to join mass protests against the relentless onslaught of tourism engulfing the island and other holiday hotspots in Spain.
With tensions escalating, an activist group, Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza), has sounded the alarm for locals to take to the streets on May 24, demanding urgent measures to curb the influx of visitors to the beloved Spanish party hub.
In a scene reminiscent of protests in other tourist hotspots like Tenerife, where locals resorted to hunger strikes to express their grievances, Ibiza residents are now mobilising in droves.
“We are in no way against British tourism, on the contrary,” Xaquelina Ana Perry, a spokeswoman for Prou Eivissa, said.
“We welcome anybody who wants to enjoy our local culture, gastronomy, local traditions, beautiful beaches, and coves. We are only against the massification of the type of tourism attracted to our island.”
The idyllic Mediterranean island, along with its southern counterpart Formentera, draws millions of tourists annually, drawn by its UNESCO World Heritage status and vibrant nightlife.
However, this influx has come at a cost, tarnishing the island’s image with issues like drug abuse and illegal rentals.
Prou Eivissa’s manifesto, outlined in a comprehensive statement, advocates for sustainable tourism practices that safeguard the island’s unique heritage while ensuring the well-being of its residents.
As the protest date approaches, Ibiza residents are rallying behind the cause, determined to send a clear message to authorities: “Ibiza cannot take anymore!”
It comes as Majorca and Ibiza have announced a huge crackdown on rowdy holidaymakers and overtourism, with the Balearic Islands government introducing a sweeping decree aimed at curbing alcohol sales and partying on the holiday islands which are hugely popular with Britons.
The new regulations, effective until at least December 31, 2027, will enforce a ban on alcohol sales for 10.5 hours every day between the hours of 9.30pm and 8am, in designated areas known for heavy tourist traffic – in theory stopping Brits and tourists from around the world from being able to drink excessively.
The decree targets specific regions in Majorca and Ibiza, including Llucmajor, Palma, Calvia (Magaluf), and Sant Antonio, where late-night revelry has been a longstanding issue. Additionally, party boats will be prohibited from sailing within one nautical mile of these destinations, preventing them from picking up or dropping off passengers in the area.