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Could Anti-Tourism Acts Affect Your Holiday

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

could-anti-tourism-acts-affect-your-holiday

If you have a holiday planned or are planning a trip to Mallorca this summer you could see more anti-tourism demonstrations after campaign groups published a controversial “action manual” aimed at businesses linked to the island’s tourism sector. Supporters describe it as a blueprint for non-violent direct action, with hoteliers and business owners arguing that its advice crosses a line. So what does the document actually contain, and should tourists be concerned?

What is Mallorca’s anti-tourism action manual?

The handbook was published by the campaign Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (“Less Tourism, More Life”) together with youth activist group Arran Mallorca ahead of planned demonstrations later this month on July 26.

According to its authors, the publication is designed to help supporters organise direct action against what they describe as the “touristification” of Mallorca. Their campaign argues that the island’s current tourism model has contributed to rising housing costs, overcrowding and increasing pressure on local communities and public services.

What has attracted the most attention is that the document goes beyond explaining the reasons behind the protests and provides practical guidance on how activists should prepare for demonstrations.

What does the manual actually say?

According to extracts published by Spanish media, the document encourages activists to identify potential targets before planning any action in detail. Supporters are advised to visit locations beforehand, survey the area, identify entrances and exits, choose escape routes and note the location of security cameras, including those operated by banks and neighbouring businesses. It also recommends considering how police or private security might respond.

The handbook suggests organising participants into specific roles before any demonstration takes place. These include deciding who will carry out the action, who will act as a lookout and who will film or photograph events. It also encourages supporters to send images of their activities through secure channels so they can later be shared on the organisations’ social media platforms.

One of the document’s most controversial sections concerns personal anonymity. Activists are being advised to wear dark, loose-fitting clothing, cover their faces and conceal distinguishing features such as tattoos, piercings and birthmarks. Business groups have cited this advice as one of the reasons they believe the publication goes beyond organising peaceful protest.

The guide also urges supporters to “be creative” in their actions. Examples reportedly include putting up campaign posters, covering façades with paint and blocking key boxes used for holiday rental properties. The document concludes by defending what it describes as “non-violent direct action” against what its authors call “a system that is suffocating us.”

Which businesses are identified and why has it caused such a strong reaction?

The document focuses on businesses and developments that campaigners associate with mass tourism, holiday rental properties, hotels, estate agents, tourism advertising and luxury developments. It as been criticised by Mallorca’s business community saying that some of its recommendations clearly go beyond peaceful protest. Advice on concealing identities and targeting specific businesses could encourage intimidation or damage to property. The campaign groups reject those claims, saying their aim is to challenge Mallorca’s tourism model and housing policies, not tourists or the people who work in the industry.

What does this mean for your holiday?

Travellers may encounter demonstrations in some parts of the island over the coming weeks, with a planned protest for July 26, but the publication itself is unlikely to have any direct impact on your holiday. Mallorca remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations, the manual has just brought attention again to the debate over tourism, housing and the rising cost of living in Spain.

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Could Mallorca’s anti-tourism protests affect your holiday? Here’s what the controversial ‘action manual’ actually says

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Plaza Mayor Unveils Magical Summer Show

Published

10 hours ago

July 19, 2026

Adam Woodward

Free show for shoppers and their families. Credit: PM

Families can step into an enchanting new world of colour, music and acrobatics this summer as Plaza Mayor, the huge outdoor shopping centre between Churriana, and the airport presents Naturaleza Viva, a large-scale outdoor show created entirely in Malaga.

Immersive story of Mother Nature

Visitors join a participatory tale where Mother Nature has lost her voice and needs everyone’s help to restore it. Produced by local firm Producciones Merlin under director Domingo Merlin, the production draws on more than 25 years of cultural entertainment expertise. Costumes have been designed specially for the event; original choreography and high-level acrobatics deliver a contemporary circus-style experience that places Malaga talent centre stage.

Golden forest comes alive across the centre

Three consecutive weekends turn Plaza Mayor into a living stage. A lively parade of nature-inspired creatures winds through the main avenues, guiding crowds to the Central Plaza for the main performance. Every element—from storytelling and movement to live music—invites spectators of all ages to take an active role rather than simply watch.

Performance dates and extra late-night events

Shows run on Fridays and Saturdays from 17 July to 1 August. Each evening begins at 8pm with the parade and concludes with the full production in the Central Plaza. Shoppers can also enjoy late-night shopping sessions on July 31 and August 27, extending the festive atmosphere well into the evening.

Marta Arana, Marketing Director at Plaza Mayor, said: “We want every visit to become a memorable experience. Naturaleza Viva captures exactly that spirit—high-quality artistry that entertains while encouraging people to value the natural world around us.”

About the venue

Plaza Mayor is still Malaga’s largest open-air retail and leisure complex, its architecture modelled on a traditional Andalusian village. Located just two kilometres from Malaga Airport, the centre offers 45,000 square metres of shops plus parking for more than 3,000 vehicles.

Naturaleza Viva gives both locals and visitors a chance to create lasting family memories through art, emotion and a gentle reminder of nature’s importance.

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Italian Village Hits Bare-Chested Tourists With €200 Fines

Published

17 hours ago

July 19, 2026

Adam Woodward

italian-village-hits-bare-chested-tourists-with-e200-fines

Tourist strips off in heat. Credit: Mick Harper – Shutterstock

Varenna, by Lake Como in Italy, has banned shirtless strolling and swimwear away from beaches. Instant fines of €50 to €200 now apply to anyone walking village streets in bare chests, risqué wear, or bathing attire alone.

These changes form part of new urban, police-enforced regulations that took effect on June 27 after multiple complaints were received from locals about foreigners, mostly, stripping off where it was not considered appropriate. The council introduced the measures to ease pressure from rising visitor numbers on a community of roughly 650 permanent residents.

Noisy foreign tourists stripping off

Mayor Mauro Manzoni expressed pride in receiving hundreds of thousands of guests yearly yet insisted local quality of life must stay protected. “Residents cannot see their daily comfort sacrificed for the sake of mass tourism,” he said.

Tour guides and operators will also find extra controls under the same package. Groups stay limited to 25 people maximum while loudspeakers and any form of voice amplification face are outright prohibited. Guides who break those limits risk being instantly slapped with a fine of between €100 and €400 and possible bans lasting several months from leading tours through the village.

Tourists must stop milling around

Public spaces also receive further safeguards under new rules. Groups cannot obstruct pathways or gather on designated roads, piazzas or bridges, keeping movement open for everyone who lives or visits there.

Shop owners across Varenna have given the rules strong local backing. Proper dress suits shops, restaurants, churches and the main square, one trader noted, while swimwear stays suitable only by the water. Enforcement is essential, another owner added, describing the step as timely and well judged.

Several other Italian towns adopt same strict view

Several Italian destinations have already taken comparable action against disruptive habits. Sorrento previously imposed heavy fines after labelling bare-chested walking and town swimwear as widespread indecorous behaviour. Portofino later banned certain selfies and created no-waiting zones to stop crowds lingering in tight spots.

Narbonne in France has threatened clothing fines of its own. Spanish destinations have made similar rules and fines common across many cities, towns and villages for tourists who remain underdressed once they leave the coast.

Online comments from readers worldwide largely support Varenna’s stance. Many call the dress code a reasonable minimum standard applied evenly. Others recall the traditional Italian practice of changing in cabanas before entering streets or businesses and urge wider adoption of group-size limits in crowded heritage sites.

Clear expectations now form how visitors should appear while exploring when away from the waterfront.