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NextImg:'It's not us in the protests!' Spanish restaurateurs fume as Britons abandon popular hotspots amid anti-tourist demonstrations

Spanish hospitality workers have voiced their anger as Britons abandon Majorca's tourist areas due to anti-tourism demonstrations.

Local businesses insist they depend on visitors for their survival, while residents protest the huge numbers of tourists.

Restaurant managers and hotel employees in the region have distanced themselves from the protests, arguing that those who serve holidaymakers daily are not the ones participating in the demonstrations.

A beachfront restaurant manager in Palmanova, called FC, said: "We haven't scared the tourists away from Majorca, the protests have."

Demonstrator holding 'Tourists go home' sign during Majorca anti-tourism protestsAnti-tourist protests have erupted across various regions of Spain | GETTY

He expressed concern about online comments from visitors threatening to boycott Spain, emphasising that hospitality staff would bear the brunt of any tourism decline.

He added: "It's not us, the people they see every day on their holiday waiters, chefs, hotel staff, attractions staff who are involved in the protests. Yet it will be us who suffer the consequences."

Despite widespread anti-tourism demonstrations, official statistics reveal that the Balearic Islands experienced record-breaking visitor numbers.

June 2025 saw 2.7 million tourists arrive in the archipelago, marking a 2.4 per cent rise compared to the previous year.

Anti-tourist protests MajorcaResidents have taken to the streets to protest against the number of tourists visiting the island | GETTY

The first half of 2025 brought 7.9 million visitors to the islands, representing an increase of approximately 250,000 people or 3.2 per cent year-on-year.

Financial data shows even stronger growth, with tourist expenditure reaching €3.13billion in June alone, up 3 per cent.

Overall spending for the initial six months totalled €8.74billion, climbing 6.1 per cent from 2024.

Industry observers attribute the spending surge to elevated accommodation rates and increased costs throughout the tourism sector, though some workers note visitors appear more budget-conscious.

Majorca restaurantThe hospitality sector has been particularly affected, with bars, cafés and restaurants reporting half-empty outdoor terraces | GETTY

Majorca welcomed 13.4 million visitors last year, including more than two million Britons.

The holiday destination, renowned for its beaches, mountains and entertainment venues, has seen activists targeting the tourism sector with negative campaigns aimed at deterring potential visitors.

Hotels in the eastern resort of Capdepera and the northwestern town of Soller are experiencing the steepest declines in visitor numbers, according to the Majorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM).

Several business owners have taken the unusual step of granting staff leave during what should be the busiest period of the summer season.