Panic in Majorca as tourist numbers drop after Brits told 'don't come here!'

The local government of the Balearic Islands has moved fast to counter claims that anti-tourist protests are driving away visitors from the popular holiday destination. Business associations for the hospitality sector have said revenues have plummeted as tourists stay away.

The FEHM organisation representing hoteliers in the Balearics has noted a significant drop in bookings in several resorts in July - normally one of the busiest months of the season. Many business owners believe the anti-tourist protests and the negative publicity they are generating are having a telling impact and scaring people away. Protesters have scrawled graffiti on several buildings, telling tourists in no uncertain terms that they are no longer welcome in the holiday paradise.

However, the islands' government has rejected the idea that visitors are staying away on account of the "tourism-phobic" messages and insists the overall business picture is looking good. Tourism minister, Jaume Bauzá, admitted that takings were uneven for some businesses such as shops, bars and restaurants.

He also acknowledged that expectations in certain areas were not being met, but urged people to wait until the end of the season before drawing any definitive conclusions.

Bauzá claimed that general data show that the tourism season was "good", but stressed that not every year can be record-breaking. The minister added that the government is in favour of a "quality tourism", which he defined as higher spending per visitor.

He insisted that anti-tourist messages were "not catching on" in tourism markets, but accepted that graffiti and the burning of images, including his own, were not "desirable".

Anti-tourism activists told the Express in March that they planned to step up their protests this summer to try and deter visitors from coming to the islands.

Pere Joan from the Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) protest platform said: "The message we are trying to convey is 'don't come to Majorca'.

"And this can be done by creating bad publicity, by taking action that can make tourists feel uncomfortable."

Local businesses say the protests are definitely having an impact, with fewer tourists arriving.

Miguel Pérez-Marsá of the nightlife association told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: "The tourists we're interested in are being driven away; they don't feel welcome and are going to other destinations."