Balearic Islands Hotel Strike Averted: Tourists Can Travel Without Disruption in July
Spain’s Balearic Islands avoid a major hotel strike as unions and employers agree on a 13.5% wage hike, ensuring a smooth July for summer travelers.

Tourists heading to the Balearic Islands this summer can breathe a sigh of relief. A major strike involving over 180,000 hospitality workers has been called off after unions and employers reached a last-minute agreement. The deal averts what could have been one of the most disruptive labor actions in Spain’s tourism sector in recent years—right in the heart of the summer holiday season.
The strike, originally planned to begin on July 10, 2025, would have impacted hotel operations, restaurants, bars, and even transport hubs like Palma de Mallorca Airport, which handles millions of travelers every month.
The Terms of the Agreement
After weeks of tense negotiations, unions accepted a revised proposal that includes:
A 13.5% salary increase spread over three years
Adjustments to working conditions, including better shift scheduling
Stronger guarantees for hiring local workers year-round instead of relying solely on seasonal contracts
This deal came after workers rejected an earlier 11% wage offer. Union leaders praised the revised proposal as a “fair compromise,” while hoteliers expressed relief, stating that business could continue without any major disruptions during July and August—the most profitable period for the region.
Tourism Businesses React
Hotel operators, airlines, and local businesses welcomed the news. Many were bracing for cancellations, staff shortages, and reputational damage if the strike had gone ahead. Some hotels had already begun adjusting reservations and staffing plans in anticipation of service disruptions.
“We’re grateful both sides found common ground,” said one hotelier in Ibiza Town. “A strike at this time would’ve caused enormous losses for the entire island economy.”
With the strike averted, travel bookings for Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera are expected to continue rising. The Balearic Islands collectively attract over 16 million visitors a year, with tourism accounting for nearly 45% of the local GDP.
Wider Context: Anti-Tourism Sentiment Still Rising
While the labor dispute has been resolved, tensions between the tourism industry and local residents continue to simmer. In recent months, protests have erupted across various Balearic towns over the impacts of mass tourism, including:
Rising housing prices due to short-term vacation rentals
Overcrowding in small towns and beaches
Environmental concerns, such as water shortages and waste management issues
Local advocacy groups are urging the government to introduce tourism caps, higher eco-taxes, and long-term sustainability policies to manage visitor numbers and protect residents’ quality of life.
What This Means for Tourists
Travelers heading to the Balearic Islands this July and August can now expect:
Normal hotel operations without staff-related disruptions
Fully functional airport and transport services
Continued access to restaurants, bars, beaches, and tour operators
However, tourists are also being encouraged to respect local customs, avoid overcrowded zones, and choose eco-conscious accommodations wherever possible.