Magaluf looks empty as Brits ‘shun hols hotspot because they are tired of being demonised' while resort cleans up image
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
MAGALUF is looking unusually bare as Brits shunned the popular holiday spot after feeling "tired of being demonised".
Dozens of beach sunbeds lay empty as the usual UK party-animals were nowhere to be seen - opting to spend their time in Benidorm instead.
9
Deck chairs lay empty in the Spanish resort
Credit: Solarpix
9
Restaurants that were once filled with boozing Brits appeared bare
Credit: Solarpix
9
Figures published last week showed Benidorm's leading visitors were Brits and its average hotel occupancy rate had reached almost 85 per cent in May.
Meanwhile, pictures of the Spanish resort showed deserted beaches and empty restaurants - a steep contrast to what was once described as a "lawless party" hub.
Deck chairs that would previously have been filled with boozing Brits sat empty, whilst Magaluf's once crowd-stricken streets appeared decidedly desolate.
The barren resort is a positive change for many locals, who despaired at the "touristification" of their town.
They're welcoming instead a new wave of tourists hailing from different European countries, which they hope will clean up the resort's image.
Nightclub boss, Migue Perez-Masra, told local press that Playa de Palma, near the Majorcan capital, has seen a sharp increase in German tourists.
9
Once crowd-stricken streets now seemed visibly empty
Credit: Solarpix
9
The barren resort is a positive change for many locals
Credit: Solarpix
9
Magaluf was branded a lawless party resort
Credit: Solarpix
He claimed young Brits are turning their backs on Magaluf after feeling 'demonized" by locals.
The area is now seeing more and more French and Italian visitors too.
Attempts to clean up the resort's image come as Magaluf was branded a lawless party resort after a shocking sex video emerged in June 2014 showing a British tourist performing sex acts on 24 men in a bar.
The 18-year-old at the centre of the viral footage was reportedly duped into performing the sex acts for what she thought was a free break that turned out to be a cocktail named 'Holiday'.
At the time, Spanish politician Jose Ramon Bauza, branded Punta Ballena - Magaluf's strip - as '500 metres of shame'.
Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage
The bar was ordered to close for a year whilst authorities cracked the whip on unruly behaviour.
Fines of up to £50,000 were introduced for holidaymakers caught leaping off their hotel balconies, whilst limits were set on the amount of alcohol served at all-inclusive hotels.
Further restrictions in Spanish party resorts were introduced last year.
In parts of Majorca and Ibiza, tourists can be fined up to £1,300 for drinking on the streets and shops are now only allowed to sell alcohol at certain times.
Britain's then-Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott urged holidaymakers in the Majorcan party resort to 'show responsibility' and remember they were "guests" in Spain.
This Sunday anti-tourism protestors will stage another demonstration in the Majorcan capital Palma.
The demo has been organised by activist organisation Menys Turisme, Mes Vida, with 60 groups already pledging to take part.
Protestors from other cities including Barcelona and San Sebastian will also take to a streets as part of co-ordinated events.
A Menys Turisme, Mes Vida spokesman said last week: 'We will demonstrate for the right to a decent life and to demand the brakes are put on the touristification of this island.'
9
Many locals lamented at the loss of their town to boozing Brits
Credit: Solarpix
9
Residents said they're welcoming in a new stream of tourists from Europe
Credit: Solarpix
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Madeleine McCann suspect's chilling message to other paedophile uncovered
Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance, made a sickening remark to a fellow paedophile, according to a shocking new documentary The prime suspect in Madeleine McCann 's disappearance made a harrowing remark to a fellow paedophile, it has been claimed. According to a new Channel 4 documentary about the missing child, produced in collaboration with The Sun, horrific evidence found at convicted paedophile Christian Breuckner's property included images of children in swimming costumes, toddler toys, and sickening child kidnapping stories. An 80GB hard drive was found consisting of images and a laptop key, which may have prompted investigators to link the suspect to Madeleine's disappearance. The hard drive also placed Brueckner at the heart of the search location in Arades Dam, in Portugal. The documentary revealed that Brueckner allegedly made a sick admission about wanting to "capture something small and use it for days," along with images of child abuse. READ MORE: Christian Brueckner timeline: Every clue that nailed paedo as prime Madeleine McCann suspect He also is said to have threatened it would not matter if "evidence is destroyed afterwards" before adding: "I'll make a lot of films... hehe." There have even been assertions that police have proof of Madeleine's death. "They are certain that he's the man who did it and they do have evidence that they haven't revealed," said Jon Clarke, a journalist and author of My Search for Madeleine. However, he clarified that they require all pieces of the puzzle to engage in a "tactical game" with Brueckner, who is backed by formidable legal representation. Brueckner is due to be released from jail in September if no further charges are brought. In October last year, he was cleared by a German court of unrelated sexual offences, alleged to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. Leads have been few and far between since little Madeleine disappeared during a family holiday to the Algarve some 18 years ago. Last week, the most recent search for any clues related to Madeleine's disappearance lasted three days in Praia da Luz. It took place close to where Brueckner is known to have had camped. German and Portuguese police came together this week to search every property and pieces of land linked to Brueckner, ahead of his September release. This search, the most significant since 2008, included an abandoned farmhouse surrounded by partially collapsed outbuildings. Police were spotted removing mounds of earth from the scene, which was then taken away in plastic bags for further examination. Firemen were also spotted draining an abandoned well. Now, police are investigating samples of 'clothes and bones' found in last week's search, it is claimed. Initial reports suggested the operation - which took place 30 miles from where three-year-old Madeleine went missing in May 2007 - had failed to turn up any new leads. But now, it has been claimed that fragments of clothing and bones are to undergo testing this week after being uncovered at the scene. A source told Berlin Morning Post: "Several objects have apparently been discovered, which are now being examined in more detail by the police in the laboratory. 'As Portuguese media report, clothing debris and bones were found, among other things. The investigators have not officially commented on whether the finds could have anything to do with Madeleine's disappearance but that is clearly their hope.'
Scottish Sun
38 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
My trip inside ‘world Voodoo capital' that's become dark holiday hotspot for Brits who flock to watch grisly sacrifices
Daredevil tourist recalls his chilling visit to the Temple of Pythons where dozens of deadly snakes slither around worshippers LAND OF THE DEAD My trip inside 'world Voodoo capital' that's become dark holiday hotspot for Brits who flock to watch grisly sacrifices Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MASKED goblin figure chases two unsuspecting tourists along the busy streets, shrouded in a long multicoloured cloak. A few feet away, a priest carries a goat, preparing to sacrifice its blood to Voodoo gods and share its meat with other believers. 15 A Zangbeto 'goblin' guardian' chases tourists in the world's 'Voodoo capital' Credit: Kennedy News and Media 15 An altar appears to be covered in the blood of a sacrificed animal Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 Voodoo dolls are used to cast love spells Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 Brit tourist Keiran Brown poses with a snake around his neck after his visit to the Temple of Pythons Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Welcome to the Voodoo capital of the world: Ouidah, in Benin, West Africa. Here the 'goblin' guardians, known as the Zangbeto, roam the streets wielding wooden swords - ready to ward off evil in both the human and spirit world. Visitors flock to the tiny city, which has a population of 162,000, to witness sacrificial rituals and buy artefacts that are believed to bring good fortune, such as the heads of dogs and other animals. Despite its lack of attention in most mainstream holiday brochures, 337,000 tourists are reported to have visited Benin in 2019 and the numbers are believed to be growing. These so-called 'dark tourists' include Brits like Viktor Wynd - owner of London-based tour company Gone With the Wynd, who takes up to three tours a year - and Kieran Brown, an ex-barman turned TikTok travel influencer. Benin, for its part, is happy to welcome intrigued visitors, with priests charging for their guidance and private rituals, and public festivals and Voodoo events charging admission fees. Kieran, 30, from Sidcup, Kent, visited the country during his tour along Africa's coastline and recalls his nerve-racking encounters at local landmarks including the Temple of Pythons. Inside a sealed room at a religious sanctuary, locals worship snakes instead of fearing them, and Kieran encountered dozens of the creatures slithering around. Snakes are said to represent the Voodoo god Da, who is believed to bring fertility and life to its worshippers. The priest even put one around Kieran's neck but insisted the potentially deadly pythons do not hurt humans. Inside the Voodoo capital of the world where masked 'goblins' chase tourists and dogs' heads are displayed on spikes Kieran tells The Sun: "There was a thick door, the guy opened it, and there were around 60 to 70 pythons. "He put them around our neck and they seemed pretty chilled. "I didn't feel any energy and I don't believe in that but the people in the town are heavy believers. "That's the most popular religion in that side of the world, there is more Voodoo than Christianity." 'Land of the dead' It's thought 60million people around the world practice Voodoo, which is believed to have originated in Ouidah and where around 60 per cent are said to be followers. Voodoo - known traditionally as Vodoun, or Vodún - was officially declared a religion in Benin in 1996, and the annual festival, on January 10, attracts worshippers from all over the globe. Followers believe spirits control both the human world and the 'land of the dead', with different deities relied on to protect everything from villages to trees and rivers. They not only worship them from small shrines in their homes but they also attend public and private rituals led by community priests, who can be male or female. Voodoo dolls are sold at markets and sellers even claim the infamous figurines are able to make people fall in love with you. Snakes are worshipped as gods and animal sacrifice - including that of dogs - is commonplace and is often part of Voodoo initiation ceremonies. Dark arts During his visit, Kieran also recalls his encounter with one of the striking Zangbeto. These oddly dressed, masked figures act as the unofficial police on the streets of Ouidah, and are believed to keep residents and the religion's witches and spirits in line. Their name itself comes from 'zan', meaning night, and 'gbeto' that refers to person or people - so translates to 'people of the night', although they now appear in daylight hours as well. Kieran said: "When we were there we were walking around and there was a man dressed up as a Zangbeto and people were trying to get close to him and he chased people. 15 Voodoo dolls on sale in the city of Ouidah Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 Masks and preserved animal parts are sold on the street Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 The Voudoum festival takes place every January "We were walking through a street and he saw us. Because we were the only white people we stood out. "It was a man dressed up like a goblin, he had a thick mask on. "I can't explain it but he was dressed like a monster, people were running away when it came close. "People were trying to annoy it by running towards it and eventually it would snap and start chasing you, it seemed to be like a game, everyone was chanting." Temple of Pythons Ouidah is home to the religion's Mecca, The Sacred Forest, where trees are considered holy and capable of granting wishes. Due to the rituals of spells and sacrifices, parallels have been drawn to witchcraft, which was greatly feared in 13th to 15th century Britain and led to the execution of those accused of practising it. However, Voodoo is now recognised as a protected religious belief in Britain under the Equality Act 2010. And expert Viktor explains that Voodoo remains an everyday feature throughout Benin - visible on the streets and with most people's homes featuring aspects of the religion. 15 A statue representing past kings in the town of Ouidah Credit: AFP 15 Snakes are worshipped in the Temple of Pythons Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 A Voodoo priest rides a cow before the animal is sacrificed Credit: AFP Viktor, who is also a Voodoo artefact collector and runs The Viktor Wynd Museum in Hackney, East London, said: "Wherever you go in Benin, everyone has a Voodoo altar and everyone goes to the Voodoo priests. "Each person has one main Voodoo spirit that they serve. "People dressed as Zangbeto do these dances to regulate the spirit world and the world of the living. They're intermediaries with the other world. "There's always something happening so a few weeks before we go we'll WhatsApp the priests and get all sorts of interesting invitations. "There's Voodoo in the Caribbean and it's very underground but in Benin it takes centre stage. That's why people find it so interesting. "It's fought back against the dominance of Muslims and Christians, who have marginalised the religion in other parts of the world." Dark side of religion While tourists in Benin are offered goat meat and trinkets with animal heads, over the years Voodoo sacrifices have been linked to much darker occurrences across the world. Notoriously, in 2001, a young African boy's torso was found in the River Thames in London. His head, arms and legs had been removed. Police investigators at the time believed that the killing was part of a Voodoo ritual. It's believed the body part may have been in the water for up to ten days and tests showed he lived in West Africa shortly before his death. Police believe he was trafficked to the UK, specifically for the purpose of a sacrifice. One factor that linked the torso to Voodoo was it had been carefully dressed in bright orange shorts before being dumped. Police eventually discovered that the colour was seen as powerful and used in specific sacrificial spells by those who practised Voodoo. However, due to the state of the body when it was found and cops facing a wall of silence during their investigation, the mystery remains unsolved. While Benin is credited as being the origin of Voodoo, it has spread to neighbouring countries such as Nigeria, Togo and even the Caribbean. In Togo, Kieran visited the world's biggest Voodoo market, where he found skulls of various animals - including dogs. The traveller spoke to the local Witch Doctor, who said each skull has different properties and are often prescribed to cure illnesses. Kieran said: "That region of the world in particular, I went to the world's biggest Voodoo market in Toga, where you can buy every type of animal skull. "It was a bit creepy, we were walking and there was every skull you can buy. "We spoke to the Witch Doctor, he explained it's normal in this culture. When I posted a video people were horrified but they could be horrified with some of the things in Western culture. "There were Voodoo dolls and spells, he said it is possible to make another person fall in love with you, but I didn't believe it." 15 A Voodoo shrine in Benin Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 Another Zangbeto in the streets of the city Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 15 The market sells macabre charms, skulls and animal skins Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Goat slaughter Every year on January 10 the Vodoun (Voodoo) Festival is celebrated across Benin and especially in the city of Ouidah, where practitioners gather to honour their spirits with sacrifices, dancing and singing. The festival begins with the slaughter of a goat to honour the religion's spirits. The blood is used as an offering to the spirits and the animals - such as chickens, goats, sheep and cows - are then cooked and shared amongst the worshippers. Despite experiencing the 'creepiness' of the voodoo market and rituals, Kieran would recommend Voodoo tourism to Brits who want to explore that part of the world. Meanwhile, Viktor is keen to share his passion for the area and religion with the world and invites those who are intrigued to his museum and to join his unorthodox holiday tours. 15 Viktor Wynd is a collector of Voodoo paraphernalia Credit: Gone With The Wynd
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'Turkey teeth' are leaving Brits toothless and in pain but dentists can't help
Travelling for a set of 'Turkey Teeth' may not be all that it seems, with Brits saying they are left with permanent damage, but UK dentists have confirmed they might not be able to help The cosmetic dental treatments infamously done in Turkey, most commonly known as "Turkey teeth," won't be fixed, if needed, by the NHS. Veneers, crowns and full-mouth restorations are part of the dental tourism experience, as the trend soars in popularity with young people. The TikTok hashtag "Turkeyteeth" has over 130 million views, with many Tiktokers opting to film their journeys to Turkey to carry out these procedures. Chosen by many influencers and reality TV stars, the blinding smiles would usually cost a substantial £20,000 in a London clinic. The significance of a 'teeth trip to Turkey' being that its much more cost-effective, or so they'd hoped. Almost a quarter in comparison, Turkey's prices can be between £3,000 - £6,000. Can you reverse turkey teeth? As porcelain veneers require the shaving down of teeth, and therefore enamel, the client will have irreversible enamel loss, leaving the tooth structures without enamel permanently exposed and vulnerable. Many adults in their twenties have taken to TikTok to share their horror stories after what they'd believed was a long-term quick fix. Unfortunately, once a person's enamel is removed, it cannot regenerate. Those who opt for Turkey teeth will need veneers for the rest of their lives, whether they began with healthy teeth before or not. Traditional porcelain veneers cause permanent damage to one's teeth due to the aggressive nature of the procedure, with the risks only increasing if done abroad. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! What happens after botched turkey teeth? The common misconception is that one appointment applying veneers has you set for life, but that is far from the case. A Qunomedical doctor spoke to WalesOnline, stating that: "Veneers tend to last around 10-15 years. Crowns tend to last 15-20 years and implants will last a lifetime". Severe consequences of Turkey teeth include the need for medical treatment, most likely at a private clinic and thus costing more than the discounted price you initially thought was a bargain of lifetime, says Dr Richard Clinics, London. The clinic adds that problems caused by botched Turkey teeth can include an increase of sensitivity, infection in the gums - due to hygiene being a reoccurring problem - for cheap dental tourism - and even the crowns or veneers falling out. One mum even spoke to WalesOnline about being in "the worst pain of her life" because of a faulty procedure. Will UK dentists repair turkey teeth? The owner of the Shard End Dental Practice in Birmingham, Vijay Sudra spoke to the Mirror and Birmingham Live, sharing how he warned a patient that he could not help them if they got the cosmetic procedure abroad. He said that the "broken and absolutely bonkers" NHS dental system was the cause of dental tourism from the UK. He highlighted how UK dentists would not fix issues resulting from having veneers in another country due to legal fears of being liable for further damage caused. Dr Richard's Clinic supports this, the clinic site stating: "Many people think the NHS will help if something goes wrong, but this is not the case. Although the NHS "will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain," this does not include repairing the damage done by a botched cosmetic treatment". When asked to comment on these claims of refusing to fix "botched" cosmetic dental work, an NHS England spokesperson said: "Patients are entitled to NHS dental care if there is a complication or an oral health issue, but the NHS isn't going to – for example – fix an aesthetic issue with veneers as that isn't something the NHS would usually fund anyway". "Self-funded care that the NHS would not routinely fund would not usually be offered or replaced once stabilisation has been achieved".
