30 Jul, 2024 @ 10:35
2 mins read

Michael Douglas blames Airbnb and rental cars for tourism backlash in Spain

Michael Douglas, 79, says he will spend half his time in Mallorca after becoming ‘semi-retired’

HOLLYWOOD icon Michael Douglas has sounded the alarm about the growing number of Airbnbs and rental cars in Mallorca, his second home.

Douglas used the Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest, where he was honoured with the Masters of Cinema award from Queen Letizia, to address the issues of mass tourism on the islands.

“Airbnbs and rental cars feed off each other,” he said, adding it was a ‘delicate issue.’ 

“We’re talking about 14 million tourists a year, and that generates problems, like water shortages. Everyone is aware of it, and we need to find solutions.”

READ MORE: Michael Douglas goes native in Spain: Hollywood legend enjoys traditional festival and local food in Mallorca ahead of his 80th birthday

Spanish Queen Letizia Ortiz and Michael Douglas attending closing ceremony of Atlantida Film Festival in Mallorca on Sunday, 28 July 2024.

The actor, who has long considered Mallorca a second home, praised the island and its people but acknowledged the strain that overtourism can put on local resources and communities. 

Douglas joked: “If I spent more time here I would be in the City Hall.”

His comments reflect the growing concerns among residents and local authorities about the impact of mass tourism on the island’s unique character and environment.

During his acceptance speech, Douglas shared his heartfelt gratitude towards the festival and the island.

“This award means a great deal to me because Mallorca has been my second home, and I love the island dearly. This moment is truly magical,” he said.

“The people of Mallorca have always been so good to me, so considerate and have given me a lot of privacy. For all of this, I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he added.

READ MORE: WATCH: Hollywood star Michael Douglas showcases his stunning 10-bedroom Mallorca mansion

Douglas added that he considers himself ‘semi-retired’ and will spend more time in Mallorca as he turns 80 this September

Douglas received his award from Queen Letitia, who has supported the event since 2019.

“It’s the first time that a queen has given me an award,” cracked the movie star.

He says he’s made the decision to slow down and enjoy more peace at his idyllic estate in the mountains of Mallorca at s’Estaca.

He praised Mallorca and his refuge in the Sierra de Tramuntana as a threshold ‘towards another world’.

The actor had a long conversation with Queen Letizia, who presided over the gala together with the president of the Balearic Government, Marga Prohens.

As for work, short of starring in the recent Apple TV series on Benjamin Franklin’s years in Pairs, Douglas has told his agent to only contact him if there is an especially interesting project that lands his way.

“The most important thing is the script which leaves something for people to reflect on,” he commented.

As for politics where he is a prominent donor to the Democratic Party, he stated that ‘politics occupies too much time in people’s lives, when rulers should only be public servants.’

Asked about Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race – the current UK prime minister being a friend of his – Michael Douglas praised his achievements including the revitalisation of NATO.

He made no mention of Donald Trump and the Republicans but added: “There is a democratic crisis in the United States because of what the other party represents.”

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

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