Tourismphobia has emerged as a phenomenon, a trend, and a mindset that continues to shape behaviour in Palma. Despite efforts from both local authorities and residents to address it, the sentiment remains visible throughout the city, extending well beyond the old town. Many neighbourhoods experience these tensions due to the sheer number of establishments—whether regulated or informal, private or hotel-run—that cater to the thousands of visitors arriving year-round.
The issue has drawn significant attention from residents, highlighting a growing sense of fatigue even in Palma’s outer districts. In these areas, the sight of tourists wheeling their suitcases has become commonplace, signalling a city where tourism permeates everyday life. This is particularly evident in the Arxiduc neighbourhood, as well as surrounding areas near the Avenidas, where short-term rental activity has long been a topic of debate. Other hotspots include locations such as the bullring, which hosts a variety of events attracting large numbers of visitors.
One visible expression of this discontent is the appearance of banners on balconies, often bearing slogans like ‘SOS Residents’. These displays have become a recognisable feature of the city, symbolising the frustration felt by locals over the pressures that year-round tourism places on their communities.
Beyond banners and posters, other forms of protest reflect the city’s growing anti-social behaviour related to tourism. Key boxes used for short-term rental properties—popular among visitors seeking cheaper or non-traditional accommodation—have been targeted with graffiti and slogans such as ‘Tourists go home’. These acts send a direct message not only to the visitors themselves but also to the property owners and managers.
In this way, tourismphobia in Palma is both visible and persistent. It manifests in multiple forms, from public displays to acts of vandalism, and is a reminder of the complex relationship between residents and the city’s booming visitor economy. The phenomenon underscores the challenge of balancing tourism with the everyday lives of those who call Palma home.