Walter Finch
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.”
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.”
