British tourists have pledged to “stay home” after being issued a warning by Spanish protesters. They claim that overtourism has led to soaring rents and a lack of affordable homes.
At a recent summit in Barcelona, Elena Boschi said that protesters want tourists to be afraid of the backlash from local people. She said: “We want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation – without fear, there is no change.”
The statement will likely create a sense of panic in Spain this summer, as a second activist reportedly said demonstrations could take place at airports to disrupt holidays, as reported by Birmingham Live.
Overtourism has become a huge issue in Spain, particularly in popular holiday spots such as Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands. Protesters argue that it has led to challenges such as strained infrastructure, environmental damage, and housing shortages.
However, tourism remains vital for Spain’s economy. It contributes to around 13% of its GDP and provides jobs to millions of people.
A number of UK tourists have since replied to the threats. Some agreed to stay at home this summer while others blamed the European countries for the situation.
One said: “Simple, don’t go to Spain. Tourism is its main source of trade. Without tourists it will go broke.”
A second agreed: “Tourists may stay home but don’t expect the migrants not to overwhelm your countries! Maybe it’s time to protest that instead of paying customers.”
A third wrote: “The overtourism is down to yourselves for many years you have encouraged people to come. The more you had the more you wanted. The end game would in time come.”
A fourth commented: “Oh my, perhaps I might stay home this year.” A fifth said: “We were in Majorca from the Monday before Easter until Wednesday. Never been before and enjoyed our time there.
“But staff in our hotel and friends who live there did say that there seemed to be more tourists at this time of year than usual. They were not complaining, just making a statement.”
Another wrote: “This is political deflection. Spanish housing policy that hamstrings private landlords by giving renters too much protection is the problem, not tourists. It makes short term holiday lets of properties more usually suitable for long term rental to locals the sensible route to take. If you can’t get a bad tenant out, it’s best not to let them in in the first place.”
