Squatters take over popular Spanish family hotel and say they're 'not moving'
A popular hotel in Mallorca has been invaded by dozens of squatters who have moved in and placed padlocks on the rooms they are occupying. It has been reported that around 50 squatters are occupying apartments in the BelleVue in Alcudia.
The holiday village comprises 17 blocks of more than 1,400 apartments and studios and is Mallorca's largest tourist accommodation. The squatters are in the Neptuno II building of the resort ahead of the planned opening for tourists this summer.
The squatters, who have electricity but no water, told the Mallorca Daily Bulletin: "We are not here for fun."
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Despite the lack of facilities, they are steadfast that they are not moving. One said: "It is what it is, we have nowhere else to go." And they added: "We are here because there are no flats to live in. It is impossible to pay the rents."
Anti-tourism protests in the area have been growing with locals claiming holiday lets mean there is a lack of affordable housing for them. Across the Balearics, the Mallorcan government recently announced a proposed 100 per cent property tax on non-resident buyers.
Last summer, 20,000 residents marched to protest against the impact of tourism on soaring rent costs and overcrowding. And this weekend the campaign group Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) is planning a summit aimed at addressing the challenges posed by what's anticipated to be yet another bumper holiday season of tourism in the Balearic islands.
The squatters say they intend to stay in the building until there is intervention to remove them. The complex's lack of security measures has contributed to the current situation, as there are no obstacles preventing public access, reports the Mirror.
The BelleVue Complex in Alcudia is one of Europe's largest tourist accommodations and has been a family resort since it first opened. Over the years it has undergone several renovations and redevelopment. It has long been loved by tourists due to its proximity to the beach and being home to eight pools for adults, two pools for children, a kids' club, sports areas, mini golf course, and a go kart track.
In January, police were also on high alert after 30 squatters took over a hotel in Cala Bona and reportedly destroyed the reception, breaking windows and vandalising the walls. Despite police being called to the Sol y Mar Aparthotel to investigate, they did not identify or remove any perpetrators.
The BelleVue hotel has been approached for comment.
