Tot Inclòs. Danys i conseqüències del turisme a les nostres illes

Summary

The documentary argues that tourism has transformed the Balearic Islands—especially Mallorca and Ibiza—into an economy and society increasingly shaped by mass tourism, real-estate development, and the interests of large businesses. It presents tourism not simply as a source of prosperity, but as a model with serious environmental, social, and economic costs.

How the model began

Speakers trace Mallorca’s emergence as a tourist destination to the 1950s and 1960s, when Spain promoted tourism as a way to generate income. They describe the islands as having been selected for rapid development, supported by public investment in infrastructure such as Palma’s airport.

The documentary links the growth of tourism businesses to the Franco regime and argues that tourism developed without meaningful democratic oversight or adequate services, including sewage systems.

A growth model with physical limits

The film says tourism-led construction has consumed farmland and natural landscapes, while roads, ports, airports, and water infrastructure have expanded to accommodate more visitors. It argues that extending the tourist season is another way of increasing visitor capacity, and warns that the islands’ resources and territory cannot sustain endless growth.

Speakers also question whether tourism can keep expanding as energy becomes more expensive and travel becomes harder to maintain.

Pressure on cities and public space

Palma is portrayed as increasingly geared toward visitors and consumption. Interviewees describe public squares and streets being commercialized, traditional businesses closing, and markets changing to serve tourist demand.

Cruise ships are criticized for their emissions and pollution, as well as for bringing large numbers of visitors into the city. One speaker cites a ship consuming 150 tonnes of fuel per day and compares its CO₂ emissions to those of 80,000 cars.

Housing and displacement

The documentary connects tourist rentals and property speculation with rising rents, gentrification, and the loss of long-established communities. It argues that housing is increasingly treated as an investment or tourist business rather than as a place to live.

Speakers cite rapidly rising estimates of tourist-rental capacity and say that large-scale rental operations are not simply “sharing” homes, but contribute to a speculative economy. In Ibiza, interviewees describe residents being forced out as rents rise or contracts end. The film also cites 12,000 evictions in Palma between 2003 and 2014, alongside less visible displacement.

Regulation and enforcement

The documentary describes efforts to regulate tourist rentals, including restrictions on multi-family holiday lets in Palma. However, it questions whether such rules can work with only 15 inspectors responsible for the island and a very large number of tourist beds.

Speakers argue that weak enforcement allows illegal rentals to continue, and that local regulation leaves gaps across Mallorca and the wider archipelago.

Who benefits economically

Although visitor numbers have risen, the film argues that the wealth generated does not translate into broad prosperity for residents. It says the Balearics have fallen in Spain’s per-capita income ranking while inequality has grown.

Speakers question how much tourism revenue stays in the islands, suggesting that large corporations can move profits elsewhere and contribute too little to public finances. They describe the economy as dangerously dependent on one sector and vulnerable to crises or disruptions.

Working conditions

The documentary says tourism workers have not shared proportionately in the industry’s gains. Interviewees describe low pay, heavier workloads, insecure housing, and limited time off.

Hotel room cleaners report being expected to clean many rooms under severe time pressure. They describe repetitive physical work that causes back, shoulder, knee, and hand injuries. Medical contributors describe stress, anxiety, and reliance on pain medication among workers. The film frames these as labour and structural problems, not merely individual health issues.

Political influence and public debate

Several speakers argue that tourist lobbies exert substantial influence over government policy, and that parties across the political spectrum often preserve the existing growth model.

They criticize the label “tourism-phobia,” saying public concern is about housing, low wages, congestion, overcrowding, and loss of access to beaches—not hostility toward visitors as such. The documentary also notes that tourism-sector representatives and a luxury property agent declined to take part.

Proposed direction

The film calls for limits on accommodation, visitor numbers, cars, cruise ships, and further territorial development. It supports a planned, gradual transition toward other economic activities, arguing that the choice is between an organized and relatively fair transition or a succession of crises.

It concludes that public resistance needs to be organized and translated into policy, and urges people to assess the model by asking whether residents are living well.

Presenters and Contributors

No presenter is identified in the subtitles. Named or identifiable contributors include Tolo Ramis Ferrer, Rosa (surname not given), and the hotel housekeepers, also referred to as the “Cleaning Ladies.”

The other interviewees—including academics, activists, workers, and former officials—are not named in the subtitles.