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Brits facing summer of chaos as hotel workers to strike every Friday in Tenerife throughout July and August

Brits facing summer of chaos as hotel workers to strike every Friday in Tenerife throughout July and August

The Irish Suna day ago

ENRAGED hotel workers in Tenerife are set to strike every single week of summer - in the latest blow to Brit holidaymakers.
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Anti-tourism protests have been fuelled by soaring numbers of Brits flying in
Credit: Alamy
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Thousands of locals march in Gran Canaria, May 18
Credit: Alamy
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Anti-social behaviour and a large number of tourists have fuelled the anti-tourism movement
Credit: Peter Jordan
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The strikes were proposed by the main tourism union and are expected to hit the
They are set to begin on July 4.
Union leader Manuel Fitas of the Grassroots Trade Unionists said the action came as employers were yet to agree on a
He said the employers had a "stubborn refusal" to discuss salary improvements.
read more travel news
Fitas explained that on May 29, they gave employers a fifteen-day
deadline
to respond to their demand for a 6.5% salary increase before negotiating a new agreement.
But employers are yet to come to a new agreement.
If confirmed, the nightmare strikes will prove disastrous for thousands of Brit holidaymakers rushing to the popular destination this summer.
Planned for every Friday of July and August, the action is set to hit the tourism industry's peak summer season.
Most read in News Travel
Brit tourists should expect major disruptions as the unions intend to launch protests right outside the doors of hotels for maximum impact.
Each of the scheduled walkouts and protests will be confirmed on June 16 when the dates are locked in place.
Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage
Despite the threat of the devastating strike, the manager of the local employers' association, Juan Pablo González, said they were "moderately optimistic" of making progress in the talks.
Asked if they would be willing to make an exception to avoid a strike, he confirmed that "we limit everything to the table because that is how collective agreements are negotiated".
The action comes after similar anti-tourism strikes have unleashed holiday hell for Brits in the
Canary Islands
.
Brits headed to
"The
According to the Canarian Trade Union Federation, the wealth generated by tourism should be distributed more fairly to improve the labour and wage rights of more than 170,000 tourism workers in the Canaries.
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Protesters gather in front of the Sagrada Familia under the slogan - 'The Canary Islands have a limit'
Credit: Getty
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Thousands of people are known to attend these protests, often held in dozens of cities across Spain
They also demand fairer distribution of tourism revenue to improve life for Canarians, boosting public services like healthcare, affordable housing and transport to fix the current road collapses.
The movement has issued ten key demands, including halting destructive developments, imposing a tourist tax, enforcing a moratorium on new tourist projects, protecting natural areas and stopping sea pollution, among others.
On May 18, thousands of fed-up locals flooded the streets of the Canary Islands in Spain's third wave of protests against overtourism this year.
Locals across the
Holidaymakers awkwardly watched from the sidelines as the marches progressed through towns.
What is the anti-tourist movement?
Locals are calling for three key measures:
Tourist moratorium:
A freeze on new hotel and holiday rental licences, especially in overcrowded areas, to ease pressure on resources and protect rural and coastal land.
Ecotax:
A tourist tax to fund public services and offset the environmental impact of mass tourism.
Holiday rental regulation:
Stricter controls on platforms like Airbnb and real estate speculation to keep housing affordable for residents.
In Santa Cruz alone, Tenerife's capital, around 7,000 people were estimated to be on the streets by Spanish security forces.
In Gran Canaria, around 3,000 people were estimated to be present.
Misbehaving Brits visiting the Canary Islands have also fuelled a growing sentiment against tourism among workers in Tenerife.
Shocking footage showed two brits starting a vicious brawl in Tenerife while a crowd of yobs cheered them on.
Viral footage recorded in
And last week, dramatic footage also showed two Brit women scrapping in the streets of Tenerife while being leered at.
Both fights sparked fury among locals, who complained of the manic Brit behaviour on their streets.
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Protesters with the slogan - 'The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended'

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Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos
Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos

BOOZING on the beach, participating in pub crawl's and strolling shirtless through the streets are popular activities amongst Irish tourists jetting off to relax or party in Spain. But as 6 Building sandcastles may get you in some trouble in some areas Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists have been urged to stay clear of any protests Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti 6 Walking around without a shirt on could leave you facing a €600 fine (Stock Picture) Credit: Alamy The sunshine spot has been And locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists has put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. The new regulations could affect some of the nearly three million or so Irish punters expected to visit the hotspot this year. And any rule breakers could be hit with whopping fines of up to €3,000. Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink. Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. And the rule extends out to sea, covering party boats operating within one nautical mile of those towns. Those who don't follow the law could be hit with a steep fine, which starts at €500 for minor offences but rolls all the way up to €3,000. Tourists have also been warned that alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am in Spain - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage Those opting to relax at an all-inclusive resort can continue to expect sea and sunshine but have been warned that alcohol rules will apply there too. All-inclusive guests are subject to a The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are , and , Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza Big fines are being imposed on those who try to quaff more than six drinks across the day. People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering €1,500 to €3,000. ID PLEASE All tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID on their person "at all times". Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local And Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish tourists abroad that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. The DFA warned that those arrested can't always jet right back home. A spokesperson said: " If you're arrested by the Spanish police at any stage, please ensure that all judicial matters against you are resolved before you leave Spain and that you have paid any fines. " Otherwise, you may be detained when you come back to Spain and you may incur further fines or even a prison sentence ." Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent based in Ireland, also advises Irish sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." SHIRTLESS STROLL In specific areas of Spain tourists may face a fine for wearing swimwear outside of pool or areas. Going shirtless or donning a bikini while walking in specific public locations is a major no-no in some parts of Spain. And those who take the chance could be stopped by police in the street and slapped with a fine of up to €600. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. BAD BEACH BEHAVIOUR The swimwear rule is not the only new regulation to have been implemented across certain sunshine destination in Spain. In some seaside towns, entering the beach between midnight and 7am can see tourists landed with a fine worth between €750 and €1,200. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost €1,000. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening €1,200 bill while placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible €150 fine. WHY IS SPAIN CLAMPING DOWN ON TOURISTS? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to €2,000 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of €150. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, However, according to 'Frank The Stag Man', a travel agent who runs stag and hen dos in Benidorm, the fine does not include children's sandcastles and is aimed towards larger "sand architects ". ALCOHOL & DRUG CONSUMPTION The Irish government has issued warnings to Irish holidaymakers heading off to Spain to party. It said: "Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. "Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine. "There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain. "The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment. "The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs." 'STAY CLEAR' OF PROTESTS Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill on June 15 when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. Representatives of 60 groups in are among those who vowed that the date would mark their biggest protest yet. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Some cities in And the Irish government has warned tourists abroad to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. The Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. "We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. "You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain." YOU'RE GETTING TAXED A NUMBER of popular Spanish tourist destinations have a tourist tax in place. Popular regions like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia are among those who charge tourists a tax often added to their accomodation bill. However, some hotspots have confirmed that the tax on tourists will be upped this year. In the Balearic Islands, overnight charges may rise depending on the quality of the accommodation. The Balearic Islands include holiday hotspots such as Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. Cruise ship passengers visiting the popular region will be hit with a 200 per cent increase in tax. In Barcelona, the tourist tax is set to double per person per night. But children under 16 are exempt in both cases. CAP ON CARS & CARAVANS Ibiza has this month introduced a limit on the number of tourists cars and caravans that can visit the hugely popular holiday island. From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these vehicles will be allowed to be rental cars and the other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, ​​Denia, Valencia, or Palma. And Irish tourists planning on taking a drive to the sunshine spots have been warned vehicles must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. I biza Island Council President Vicent Marí insisted the island is "not closing the door the door to tourists". He said: We're introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. "This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment. "We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused." 6 Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink (Stock Picture) Credit: Getty Images 6 Thousands took to the streets of Tenerife to protest about mass tourism last month Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists must have a valid ID on their person 'at all times' in Spain Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches

AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands. Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Advertisement 9 Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations Credit: Alamy 9 Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives Credit: Alamy 9 The islands are known for being great value for money Credit: Alamy And these destinations don't break the bank. Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example. Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10). Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24). Advertisement Read more on Greece Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm. A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations," "They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water. Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families. Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm. Advertisement "You won't need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there's space for everyone," said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority. And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost. Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10). Advertisement 9 In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost Credit: Alamy 9 Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too Credit: Alamy Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8). If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50). Advertisement Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients. Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally. Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally. "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours , too," added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Advertisement Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months. For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night. 9 Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night Credit: Alamy 9 Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47) Credit: Alamy Advertisement Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food. For transport , short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47). "Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations," said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding. Advertisement Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay. "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone," commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "That authenticity is priceless." Advertisement When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up. The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability. The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: "Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn't cost a fortune." There is also a Advertisement Plus, 9 Greece also has less overcrowding than Spain Credit: Alamy

Brits reveal most expensive holiday mistakes from £30 Coca-Cola to £80 t-shirts
Brits reveal most expensive holiday mistakes from £30 Coca-Cola to £80 t-shirts

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Brits reveal most expensive holiday mistakes from £30 Coca-Cola to £80 t-shirts

HOLIDAMAKERS have revealed some of the most expensive things they've bought by accident - in another country. A poll of 2,000 travellers found one had mistakenly stumped up £30 for a single glass of Coca-Cola in Rome , while another bought a t-shirt for £80 that they thought was £10. Advertisement Try out the clever Post Office quiz Three in 10 felt they have often paid more for something on holiday because they were a tourist. Other shocking expenses accidentally incurred by respondents included a single shot of whiskey ending up at £48. While someone else forked out £25 for a taxi ride in Amsterdam – only to find themselves arriving at their destination after less than a mile. The research, carried out by Post Office, showed travellers often suffer with currency confusion, as a fifth (21 per cent) admitted to getting confused about how much money is worth 'in pounds' when they go away. Advertisement Which leads to a quarter (26 per cent) paying more than expected for something. Six in 10 correctly knew £5 sterling would get them between $6-$7 in the US, the remaining 40 per cent were clueless, with a quarter (24 per cent) of them guessing they'd get less than $6. Probably the most common conversion for Brits – euros – also confused respondents, with almost a third (32 per cent) not knowing what £5 would get them. Instead of the correct answer of €5-€6, 17 per cent thought it would be less than €5 and 13 per cent thought it would be as high as €8. Advertisement Most read in News Travel With nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) attempting to work out local currency rates in their own heads, it's no wonder things can go wrong. While just over one in 20 (six per cent) will ask somebody nearby and then take their word for it, according to the Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office , which commissioned the research to raise awareness of its "We wanted to highlight how easily confusion around exchange rates can impact holiday budgets - no one wants to waste time abroad worrying about money . Advertisement "It's surprising that only 19 per cent of travellers use a prepaid travel card for their spending abroad when it can allow travellers to lock in a good rate before travelling." The study found respondents are taking measures to stop them accidentally spending a fortune on holiday keepsakes – with 17 per cent relying on currency conversion apps. And when it comes to money safety, they are taking measures to keep their money more secure while travelling – with 49 per cent using a separate card which is not linked to their main bank account for spending abroad – keeping their 'main funds' safe from fraudsters or thieves. Laura Plunkett for Post Office, which has a Travel App which allows holidaymakers to check exchange rates and track spending in real time, added: 'Nothing disrupts a holiday like a financial mishap. Keeping your travel money separate from your main account is a smart move to give you greater control, clearer visibility of what you're spending, and an extra layer of protection – and something 96 per cent of respondents agreed was important. Advertisement 'Whether you're budgeting carefully or just want to avoid mixing travel purchases with everyday costs, this small step can make a big difference to your trip.'

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