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Spain: How sex tourism impacts Mallorca

September 19, 2025

Prostitution is a million-dollar industry in Spain, where most women in the industry are victims of traffickers. Tourists exacerbate the situation: During the summer, the number of sex workers on the popular travel destination island of Mallorca skyrockets.

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In July 2025, Spanish authorities have rescued over 150 women from forced prostitution in one of the country's largest police operations in years. On Mallorca, the sex industry thrives during the summer, often hidden behind massage parlors and private apartments. NGOs report that most women are undocumented migrants and victims of human trafficking.

On Mallorca, "we've built a model of tourism based on alcohol, drugs, fun — without inhibitions. The system of prostitution fits perfectly," says Jaume Perello of the Casal Petit Aid Group.

As demand rises in tourist areas, authorities face growing pressure to dismantle criminal networks. Aid groups call for more prevention and education instead of purely punitive measures.

 

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