UK tourists reconsider holidays in Spain as anti-tourism protests escalate

North Wales Live

09-05-2025

UK holidaymakers are being advised to tread carefully as a rash of anti-tourism demonstrations breaks out across Spain, with the nation holding the title as Europe's favoured destination for British tourists.
Anti-tourism parades have cast a shadow over sun-soaked hotspots such as Majorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Barcelona, where protestors have unfurled stark banners proclaiming "tourists go home", reports the Examiner.
Steve Heapy, boss of airline giant Jet2, has observed a surge in worried customer calls, saying: "We've had people ringing the call centre and going into travel agents, asking questions like 'is Spain safe', 'are we still welcome in the resort'." He added: "It is becoming a big issue unfortunately, and perception becomes truth."
However, Manuel Butler, chief of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, presents an opposing view. He says: "It is important to distinguish between specific local tensions and the broader national picture," adding: "The vast majority of Spain remains enthusiastic in welcoming tourists."
Mr Butler chalks up the discontent to "broader societal issues" such as housing shortages, rising living expenses, and tourism's environmental toll on congested locales.
Furthermore, he revealed plans to bolster Spain's welcoming approach to tourists through legislative measures on short-term rentals, implementing tourism taxes in specific regions, and enhancing destination management.
Additionally, Rosario Sanchez Grau, Spain's Secretary of State for Tourism, stepped forward to express her gratitude, stating: "We are proud and grateful that Spain remains the number one holiday destination for UK visitors. It is our priority to protect and nurture this relationship for the future."
However, some Brits are not convinced. One said: "Why are people still going to Spain? It had it's day years ago." A second individual agreed, stating: "I think you are right. We were just deliberating about booking a repeat visit to our favourite Spanish haunt - no longer - we shall be looking elsewhere."
An angry Brit said: "They don't deserve our business. They really are shooting themselves in the foot and risking damaging a major part of their economy. Foolish, I say."
Another person added: "Leave them with thousands of unfilled hotels and hotels partially built." They also highlighted the potential repercussions, including "Not to mention loss in Spanish jobs, hotels, catering, shops etc..I will not be back to Spain now. Bring our expats home to Britain."