Latest news with #OllyBowman
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Daily Record
Majorca struggles as tourist hotspot amid warning of 'sad reality' for UK tourists
British tourists have been warned over the reality of life in the Balearic Islands UK tourists in Majorca have been warned about the "sad reality" behind their dream holidays, which are turning out to be disappointing. European Union holidaymakers are also being cautioned about what to really expect from the Balearic Islands. Taking to Instagram, social media star Olly Bowman warned people of overcrowding at the beaches along the Majorcan coastline. Speaking on a video, he laughed: "The reality of beaches in Mallorca," while panning the camera towards the sand. He continued: "There is zero space on the sand." Before he took to the water and explained: "All of majorca has these little alcoves of beaches, there's a tiny bit of sand and it's packed with people." Fans and followers of the vlogger were quick to rush to the comment section, giving their own experiences of over tourism and crowding in holiday hotspots like Majorca, Menorca, Gran Canaria, Ibiza and more, like Lanzarote and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Birmingham Live reports. One Instagram follower wrote: "Guys I understand the mass turism situation in most of Spain but what do you expect turist to do? Of course they will visit to see the beach, him providing the beach name will do NOTHING. It's already well known." As a second, who lived in Mallorca voiced their opinion, stating: "Look, I like your content, but I lived in Mallorca for a few years. I left because of gentrification and mass tourism. These videos don't help at all. The people there can't sustain that, nor can nature." "I simply invite you to reflect on the impact we have on this world, because you really seem like a good guy," they pleaded. While a third said: "If it's so crowded why do you keep going and sharing posts about it. Imagine for the people living in Mallorca..," Another said: "Mallorca as always being extremely affected by mass tourism, this may be a beautiful beach but it has been ruined for the locals who can't even go down to swim there anymore." A fifth had said that Olly's video showed the "sad reality" of life and holidaying in the Balearics now. The Instagram video gained over 11,000 likes after Olly posted it. This comes after authorities in Spain's Balearic Islands announced they will stop using social media influencers to promote lesser-known destinations and hidden spots, stating that "selfie tourism" is taking a toll on the region's most popular areas. In an effort to ease the pressure caused by over tourism, officials had hoped that social media influencers - many with hundreds of thousands of followers - could help by encouraging tourists to explore quieter, less-visited areas. The idea was that by showcasing alternative locations, influencers might reduce the crowds at the islands' most popular and overcrowded spots.
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tourist visits Majorca's 'best beach' and is hit with sad reality
Majorca is known for having plenty of beaches, making it popular for sun-seekers and tourists. One influencer visited the "best beach in all of Majorca" and was faced with a problem Majorca, famed for its stunning beach resorts, sheltered coves, and crystal clear waters, is a top holiday destination. It's especially popular among Brits – and travel is super easy due to the short journey and affordable flights. However, increasing concerns over the effects of mass tourism are being voiced not only by local residents of Spain but now by tourists themselves. And when an influencer visited the 'best beach in Majorca' recently, this issue was clear. Olly Bowman expressed shock at the sheer number of people crowding a well-known idyllic spot on the Majorcan coastline. Olly took to Instagram to document his day out. In the short clip, it was clear the sands had become swamped. There was hardly any room to stretch out or stroll, as holidaymakers took up every patch of beach. In his eye-opening video, he remarked: "There is zero space on the sand." Venturing into the sea for a swim, the influencer initially celebrated the "perfect temperature" of the water but soon realised that it was, in truth, "a bit chillier" than he had anticipated. Olly revealed that to enjoy his time on the beach, he had to get creative. He managed to find a tiny spot for his belongings, but ended up having to sit with his legs propped up against a rock due it being "just so crowded". His Instagram video went viral – and many Majorca locals urged him to remove the beach's name from his post to avoid exacerbating the tourist overflow. One user remarked: "Beautiful! But if you name the beaches they will even be more crowded." Another said: "Mass tourism in Majorca is destroying fragile areas that should be protected. Please refrain from sharing the names of these beaches and help us preserve them as much as possible." The influencer considerately deleted the beach's name from his caption. He elaborated in the comments section: "Everyone requested I remove the name of the beach, very fair. "I do like to think of myself as someone who can show others cool spots to travel and visit but I see how in this circumstance it's more detrimental than good, so I agree, and have removed the name from the caption." Majorcans celebrated his response, expressing their gratitude, with one replying: "We appreciate it! I'm Mallorcan, enjoy our island!" Further viewers commented with expressions of "thank you", "thanks", and "gracias." The struggle with increased tourism and its impact on the island's beaches is a significant summer issue, as highlighted by another Instagram user who commented: "Thanks for showing reality."
