British holidaymakers have received a stark warning following the emergence of disturbing footage from anti-tourism demonstrations in Majorca.
The message comes as tensions escalate between locals and visitors on the popular Spanish island.
In response to the protests, Majorca's Hotel Federation (FEHM) has unveiled a public relations initiative aimed at British visitors.
Their billboard campaign displays the message: "Tourist, go home happy. Be happier returning to Majorca soon. Thanks."
It comes after video footage captured members of the left-wing Arran group vandalising the Palma tourism ministry headquarters.
The activists torched photographs of key figures including Balearic president Marga Prohens, tourism minister Jaume Bauzà and several prominent hotel owners during their protest against overtourism.
The Arran group's actions represent an escalation in the ongoing anti-tourism movement across the Balearic Islands.
Police want the anti-tourism protesters in Majorca for graffiti that incites hatred.
REUTERS |
A group of protesters during an anti-tourism protest in Palma
Spanish National Police are investigating the artwork that appeared on the Balearic tourism ministry building in Palma over the weekend.
It is suspected that several people were involved in the incitement.
The graffiti, which was later removed, read: "We young people are not proud that our island has been sold out. We are fed up and ready to confront them."
It also referred to "those responsible for our misery", threatening tourists.
X | Images of two hotel owners, Gabriel Escarrer and Simon Pedro Barceló, and politicians, including President Prohens, were set ablaze
The Spanish Government said that "these acts do not go unpunished" and confirmed it filed a complaint with the police.
Their demonstration forms part of wider protests against what locals perceive as unsustainable visitor numbers affecting their communities.
The incident has prompted concern amongst tourism officials as they grapple with balancing economic interests against resident grievances.
The new slogan adapts popular protest language to welcome tourists rather than reject them.
REUTERS |
More demonstrations in Palma
Despite anti-tourism sentiment, British visitors remain the second-largest group booking Spanish holidays, comprising 18.3 per cent of recent reservations according to Travelgate data.
Spanish domestic tourists lead bookings at 55.6 per cent, whilst Germans account for 3.7 per cent.
Protesters targeted the island's reliance on tourism, citing issues like rising living costs, housing shortages and environmental strain.
The Balearic government has attempted to control the problem by introducing measures like increasing taxes on tourists and limiting the number of rental properties.