Ibiza rising: Activists mobilize against mass tourism's impact

Following anti-tourism protests in the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands turn is now. Part of the Spanish archipelago, Ibiza is gearing up for demonstrations. A group of activists is calling on residents to take to the streets and fight for the limitation of mass tourism. "Ibiza cannot take anymore!" the activists claim.

A group of activists named Prou Eivissa is urging residents to take to the streets and protest against mass tourism on the island - reports the British "Daily Mail". The demonstrations are set to take place on May 24th. A spokesperson for Prou Eivissa stated that while the group is not opposed to British tourism per se, it fights against the type of tourism that attracts visitors to the island.

"We are in no way against British tourism, on the contrary," said Xaquelina Ana Perry. "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 island is saturated, especially with illegal renting and our 572 square kilometres cannot take anymore," she added.

Millions of tourists visit Ibiza every year. The island has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and officials are making every effort to promote it as a family-friendly place. However, Ibiza is most famous for its nightlife and electronic music, which have earned it an infamous reputation as a place where drugs are consumed.

Activists from Prou Eivissa call on the Balearic authorities to introduce laws limiting vehicle entry, imposing a tourism moratorium, protecting residents, and tackling illegal rentals.

"We consider it essential to achieve a balance between residents and tourists, and therefore, we believe that the legitimate expression of the people of Ibiza can guarantee a sustainable future for all", was written in the statement. "We urge families, youths, adults or anyone who appreciates a respectful life and wishes to be treated with respect, to come and make their presence felt so that the authorities truly feel the pressure that makes us say: Ibiza cannot take anymore!" the activists appeal.

Similar protests took place in the Canary Islands. In Tenerife, some residents started a hunger strike, and in Minorca, graffiti was created directing tourists to go home - reports "Daily Mail". According to information provided by PAP, at the end of April, tens of thousands of residents participated in the protests across the archipelago. The largest demonstrations against mass tourism were organised in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Participants in the demonstrations called on the regional government and local authorities to introduce restrictions on building hotels and tourist centres to limit the uncontrolled influx of vacationers. The protesters claimed that the excess of tourists in the Canary Islands has led to traffic chaos, noise, and pollution of local nature.