Majorca billboards welcoming tourists attacked as anger rages on

Mallorca billboards welcoming tourists attacked as tensions rage on (Image: Getty)

Mallorca has been once again marred by anti-tourism sentiments as the welcoming billboards placed by the hotels have been vandalised in an act of rage. Last week, the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) took a stand against “tourismophobia” and decided to launch a campaign to make the tourists welcome this summer. 

The stunning island has been witness to a large number of overtourism protests, with several groups asking tourists to go home as they say the rising number of visitors is damaging to infrastructure and detrimental to their daily lives. Protesters carrying signs and slogans such as “tourists go home” and “no to mass tourism” have been walking across the streets as they expressed their anger about the overtourism. 

The island has been experiencing anti-tourism protests over the last few months (Image: Getty)

On Monday last week, the Mallorca Hoteliers Federation presented its billboard ads that are designed to counter the messages of protesters. 

However, one of those billboards has been daubed with black and white paint, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin. 

The posters put by the hotel association include slogans such as “Tourist, go home happy. Be happier returning to Mallorca soon”, a play on words of the anti-tourist signs.

“Tourist, go home safe and come back soon” as well as “tourist, don’t go home, stay longer with us”, have also been used.

Javier Vich, president of FEHM had said: "Mallorca has been, is and must continue to be a hospitable land. There are competing destinations such as Greece, Turkey and the south of France that welcome tourists with a red carpet. We must also be aware of their value."

“This is in contrast to the rejectionist rhetoric and actions that attempt to damage the image of tourism and its contribution to Balearic society,” the Federation added.

Mr Vich added that “without tourists, there are no jobs, and we must all take care of tourism”.