British tourists are “seeking alternative holiday destinations” amid ongoing anti-tourism protests in Spain. Several travellers have been disappointed by Spain’s Canary and Balearic Islands locals protesting against overtourism and the cost of living crisis.
The popular tourist destination has witnessed a series of protests over the last few months from the locals who are reportedly fed up with the mass tourism.
However, the unwelcoming behaviour has now pushed tourists to change their vacation plans. Many UK tourists have voiced their opinions on social media forums like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) as they suggest other holiday destinations.
Many posts conveyed a shared sentiment: if Spain’s islands no longer welcome them, they’ll choose other destinations, reports Travel and Tour World.
One user remarked, “There are other stunning spots along the Mediterranean, such as southern France and Portugal, that would gladly welcome tourists.”
This sentiment was echoed by many, suggesting plans to explore alternative destinations. Others suggested visiting Greece, Turkey, and Croatia as replacement destinations for Spain.
A common thread among commenters was that their tourist spending could easily shift to other Mediterranean or European locales.
Recently, a large number of locals protested against “suffocating” tourism on the streets of San Sebastian at the weekend amid growing anti-tourist sentiment in Spain.
Under the banner “We are in danger; degrow tourism!”, groups in the Basque city marched through the historic centre to protest against the current tourism model and increasing rental prices for residents.
The Balearic and Canary Islands in Spain, such as Lanzarote, Ibiza, Tenerife, and Majorca, have been favoured destinations among UK tourists for many years.
According to consultancy firm Braintrust, Spain expects to receive more than 90 million international visitors by the end of 2024.
Tourism is a vital component of the Spanish economy, especially in regions like the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, where many local jobs and services rely heavily on seasonal visitors.
These areas see a significant influx of tourists, particularly during the summer months, which supports various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and service industries.
Historically, Spain has been a leading destination for British tourists. If UK travellers decide to vacation in different countries, it could lead to serious economic consequences for Spain.
