A group of about 50 residents in Sóller held flash protests in the square against overcrowding and rising costs attributed to an influx of wealthy tourists. In a letter to the local bulletin, a British citizen expressed concerns about the increased prices of accommodations and a suggestion to raise the tourist tax to around €4 per person. This individual highlighted that affordable options have diminished in comparison to South Asian countries, making Mallorca less accessible for British tourists.
The protests were met with backlash from some foreigners, who labeled the residents as “racists” for referring to tourists as “Gillis.” The residents’ campaign, featuring T-shirts with the slogan “Miris, Totthorngilis,” aims to raise awareness about the challenges they face due to mass tourism, asserting that the issue is one of survival rather than visitor hostility. They argue that tourism is displacing them from their homes and overwhelming local services, significantly impacting their daily lives.
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