Mallorca cuts off water and electricity as Spanish hotspots crackdown on tourism

Authorities in Spain have come down hard of Brits who have been letting their second homes illegally to tourists.

Second home owners in Majorca are facing a severe crackdown, with stiff fines and authorities now threatening to switch off their water and electricity supply. This drastic strategy is the latest weapon deployed by the island's council as part of a wider effort to increase available housing and make rents more affordable for locals, aiming to curb the issue widely described as "tourist massification".

Majorca is poised to emulate Seville, which has already commenced such measures, with Valencia set to join the fray shortly. The beautiful island has witnessed repeated demonstrations against tourist rentals, which locals blame for the scarcity of housing for Spaniards and soaring rent prices due to landlords favouring holidaymakers who can pay top dollar.

This is a key concern within the broader controversy surrounding tourism saturation in Spain's vacation locations, marked by numerous protests and marches. One recent local protest revolved around a Palma building boasting ten apartments - all unlawfully leased out to tourists.

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Authorities in Majorca confirmed they're considering slashing utilities like electricity and water to illegally operated tourist flats as part of their battle against this rampant practice. Initially proposed by Seville, Valencia, under Mayor Maria Jose Catala, announced similar intentions this week. Following suit, the council in Seville, governed by the PP, recently disconnected utilities from six unauthorised holiday dwellings.

One potential obstacle is that in Majorca - unlike in Seville or Valencia where homes must be registered as a professional activity - this is not required and they are private homes. A study is currently being conducted to explore how the discontinuation of services could be executed.

Meanwhile, Majorca council is proceeding with hefty fines when illegal lettings are detected. In August, penalties amounting to 960,000 euros were announced for 12 flats in one building, and sanctioning proceedings have been initiated against two other buildings which collectively comprise 17 flats without a tourist licence and fines totalling 1.36 million.

Additionally, Majorca is considering doubling the number of inspectors from 20 to 40 and adding another 17 workers to carry out tasks related to instructing sanctions and those associated with tourist regulation.

This summer has seen protesters take to the streets in Majorca, raising concerns about the cost of living in the city. They have made their feelings known through beach occupations, including taking over popular beaches, such as S'Arenal, to demand controls on visitor numbers

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of Palma and other towns, carrying posters and banners with slogans such as "Stop destroying Mallorca" and "Your luxury, our misery". Residents have also placed fake signs on beaches to warn tourists to stay away.