Residents, traders, and hoteliers in Camp de Mar, in Andratx, have placed a large banner at the entrance of the coastal area to welcome tourists in four languages, as a response to the planned protest in Palma.
A giant banner with the message "Here, tourists are truly welcome" has been hanging since Saturday at the entrance of Camp de Mar, in the municipality of Andratx. The initiative, driven by the local association, aims to counter the protest scheduled for this Sunday in Palma under the slogan "Less Tourism, More Life".
The banner is written in four languages and has been placed in a visible location for all those accessing this coastal area. According to Joana Dols, spokesperson for the Camp de Mar association, the action coincides with the patron saint festivities of Sant Joaquín and Santa Ana, which are being celebrated these days in the town.
"We wanted to make it clear that we do welcome tourists," Dols stated. The association argues that tourism has been the economic engine of the area for over 70 years and that most families depend on it.
"It's very strong that they are against it when there are many families here who live off it; there are many hotels in this area," the spokesperson added. According to the association, the stance is unanimous among residents, locals, transient populations, traders, and hoteliers: "We want tourists. Without tourism, we would be lost."
The protest this Sunday in Palma has sparked an intense debate on the island about the limits of tourism and its effects on the daily lives of residents. While some demand measures to curb overcrowding, others, like the proponents of this banner, argue that tourism remains the main source of income and employment.
Camp de Mar is a well-established tourist hub, with a wide range of hotel and dining options. The local association wanted to take advantage of the visibility of the festivities to send a message of openness and gratitude to visitors.
The banner was placed on Saturday morning and has already generated reactions among passersby. Some tourists have stopped to photograph it, while local residents have shown their support for the initiative.
The debate about Mallorca's tourism model remains open, with opposing views between those calling for a shift towards more sustainable tourism and those warning of the risk of losing competitiveness if excessive restrictions are adopted.
For now, in Camp de Mar, the message is clear: tourists are welcome. The association hopes that the banner will help build bridges and show that in many parts of the island, tourism is seen as an opportunity, not a threat.
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