Fact Check: "Approximately 5,000 people gathered in Palma, Mallorca, on June 15, 2025, to protest against overtourism."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, a significant protest against overtourism took place in Palma, Mallorca, where approximately 5,000 people gathered. This protest was part of a coordinated effort across southern Europe to address the negative impacts of mass tourism, including rising housing costs and the erosion of local culture. Protesters in Palma were seen carrying water pistols and chanting slogans such as “Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists” (Washington Post, Global News). The event was characterized as one of the largest gatherings of the day, with similar protests occurring in other cities like Barcelona and Granada (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that around 5,000 people protested in Palma on June 15, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and Reuters both reported on the event, providing consistent figures regarding the number of participants. Additionally, the New York Times noted that protests against overtourism have become increasingly common in southern Europe, further contextualizing the significance of this particular demonstration.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press also covered the event, emphasizing the protesters' concerns about the impact of tourism on local housing and community dynamics. Furthermore, the Independent and Hindustan Times corroborated the attendance figures and the nature of the protests, reinforcing the claim's validity.
While there is a potential for bias in reporting on protests—especially those that may evoke strong local sentiments—the consistency across multiple reputable sources lends credibility to the assertion that approximately 5,000 individuals participated in the Palma protest.
Conclusion
The claim that approximately 5,000 people gathered in Palma, Mallorca, on June 15, 2025, to protest against overtourism is True. This conclusion is based on corroborating reports from several reliable news outlets that documented the event and the number of participants.
Sources
- Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest overtourism
- Protesters against overtourism take to the streets of southern Europe
- Traveling to Europe? Here's What to Expect From Tourism Protests
- Spanish locals shoot water at visitors in protests against mass tourism
- Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest overtourism
- Furious Spaniards demand Brits 'go home' as they march against overtourism
- Thousands to march on streets of Mallorca in overtourism protest this weekend
- Spaniards squirt water guns at foreigners in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest overtourism