Majorca anti-tourist protesters fume as 2.1 million TUI holidaymakers expected

Despite Majorca being plagued by a wave of anti tourist protestors TUI is warning that a new record of holidaymakers will soon descend to the island.

On Tuesday, TUI announced that they expect to bring 2.1 million visitors to the Balearics in 2025, a new record. This a 100,000 increase compared to the 2024 record.

The 2.1 million figure includes British visitors alongside those from Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries and Ireland.

The tour operator believes this number could be even higher, as the holiday company is seeing more and more visitors flocking to Majorca outside of the peak high season in a bid to catch a glimpse of some winter sun.

This surge in figures comes despite increasing tensions over mass tourism, with local protests in Majorca and across Spain calling for stricter regulations and a shift towards sustainable tourism policies.

Similar protests have erupted in Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Málaga, where activists argue that tourism-driven rent hikes are forcing residents out of their homes. In response, local governments are implementing new measures, including limits on short-term holiday rentals and increased tourist taxes.

Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI group believes the anti tourism protests are more aimed at the increase in airbnbs than holidaymakers he said.

He said: "These are not protests against tourism, but rather protests calling for responsible tourism that is also economically successful for local people."

It seems that even though the island is becoming less budget friendly thanks to its increasing popularity tourists are attracted to the higher quality accommodation in the Balearics.

TUI previously noted that Brits "are finding it increasingly difficult" to pay for their holidays in the Balearics.

Alex Casares, president of the Association for the Nautical Development of Businesses and the Self-Employed, estimates that prices had risen by as much as 30% in recent years.

Mr Ebel, CEO of the TUI group said: "This shows that people continue to prioritise their holidays, even in challenging economic environments, such as the one currently existing in Europe".