SOS Menorca beach protest

In Menorca, hundreds of protesters from the environmental organization GOB Menorca staged a surprise demonstration at Cala Turqueta beach, blocking tourist access for six hours and forming the message 'SOS Menorca' in the sand. This protest aimed to raise awareness about the negative impacts of mass tourism rather than oppose tourism itself, with activists advocating for local housing rights and environmental preservation. The protest follows a significant anti-mass tourism rally in Majorca, indicating growing local discontent with tourist overcrowding. Meanwhile, in Tarifa, a resort town facing similar issues, activists are calling for a sustainable approach to tourism, highlighting the strain on local resources and housing. The rise in tourism has reportedly led to a model of precarious employment and environmental degradation in both regions. As protests continue, local populations emphasize the need for policies that balance tourism benefits with community needs.