People in Mallorca share honest opinions of tourists after Spain's 'go home' protests

Residents in Mallorca have opened up about their true feelings towards tourists following the recent "go home" protests across Spain.

Anti-tourism demonstrations have been widespread in Spain's popular holiday destinations, with locals protesting on both the mainland and the Balearic Islands. They're outraged over soaring rental prices, linked to properties being snapped up for tourist lets. Banners and graffiti reading "tourist go home" illustrate their frustrations.

British expat Andrew McVey, who has made Mallorca his home, recently took to the streets to canvass opinions for his YouTube channel Loving Life Mallorca. A local hotel receptionist named Marga told him: "We need it [tourism]. I work at the reception, I love guests. I love England too. And we are very happy that they are coming here [...] the tourists, we are living off them. We have to take care of them!"

Alex and Eric, both students from Mallorca's capital Palma, told him they "like" tourists coming to the island. They also said they have found work in the tourism industry.

Andrew also chatted with holidaymakers to gauge their perspective on safety on the island. Paul and Rita from Belfast said: "We heard about it [the protests] from the press and were a wee bit worried before we came, but when we came here we found Palma to be grand. No problem. And at the resort, no problems there. There's not an issue."

Vlad and Cleo, from Romania, explained they had visited Barcelona at the start of the summer, and had a very different experience there compared to in Mallorca. Vlad said: "It was a bit harsh there. It was like, 'Get out of here', but people here are welcoming."

Alec, visiting Palma from New York, was asked: "Do you feel welcome?" He told Andrew: "Absolutely. Not one instance have we felt unwelcome. Everyone has been very hospitable and very kind."