Protest Ibiza – Over 1,200 Ibiza residents took to the streets on Friday to demand limits on the island’s current tourism model. The protest, organised by the platform “Change the Course”, called for restrictions on cruise ships, flight arrivals, and an end to government promotion of the island as a tourist destination.

Residents Rally for Change

The demonstration began at the Peace Park, with participants carrying banners that read slogans like “Your luxury, our climate crisis” and “Enough private jets”. Tere, a local resident, said, “I agree with everything they say. If people don’t come out, nothing changes.”

Voices from the Community

Beatriz encouraged others to “show their discontent” and urged Ibiza’s neighbours to protest against what’s happening. “We’re not against tourism, but we’re against this permissiveness where anything goes,” she noted. Jaume, a young local who recently returned after studies, lamented, “It’s impossible to have a house and a job that allows me to live relatively well.”

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Key Demands

During the event, the platform read a manifesto highlighting issues like overcrowded beaches and water shortages. They criticised authorities for allowing luxury homes to water tropical gardens and for permitting the simultaneous arrival of cruise ships, mega-yachts, and private jets.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

The manifesto also shed light on the housing crisis. It mentioned workers living in settlements and others leaving due to unaffordable housing prices. “After so many record-breaking tourist seasons, where is that wealth?” they questioned.

Proposed Solutions

“Change the Course” believes it’s possible to redirect the situation. Their demands include:

• Limiting flight arrivals and banning private jets
• Prohibiting cruise ships and mega-yachts
• Reducing rental vehicles and improving public transport
• Restricting property purchases by non-residents
• Ending the privatisation of beaches
• Regulating rental prices for commercial spaces
• Stopping public funding for tourism promotion

“Tourism degrowth is a demand we make to the authorities, but it’s also a brave choice we must make together,” they concluded. “This model is beginning to collapse.”

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