Latest news with #INFOCA
Dublin Live
2 hours ago
- Dublin Live
Irish tourists told to 'cancel' Spain holidays as expert issues Greece and Turkey warning
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Irish people planning a sunny escape to Spain, Turkey, or Greece are being warned to think twice - as a UK expert has flagged up serious concerns. Speaking to BBC's Morning Live, travel journalist Ash Bhardwaj has raised the alarm about the heightened risk of wildfires. He warned holidaymakers: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius. "As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel." In the Canary Islands, both tourists and locals are keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of forest fires, with the authorities putting a pre-alert state into action. The combination of scorching heat, bone-dry conditions, and the recent battering from a calima – those dry, dusty winds from the Sahara – means the risk of a blaze breaking out is all too real, reports Galway Beo. An official statement on the local government's website said: "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA, it is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires." Spain's key tourism sector is already bracing for impact over soaring anti-tourist sentiment with demonstrations in full swing before the peak holiday season kicks in. Last month saw protesters thronging the streets across Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and La Palma, banding together under the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit). Activists have been vocal, demanding a cap on tourist numbers, a stop to new hotel projects and calling for tougher tourist taxes among several measures. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow holidaymakers issued 'high risk' warning for summer
Experts have warned tourists heading to Spain, Greece, or Turkey to be aware of devastating wildfires which have the chance to spread to holiday resorts. The warnings come as the popular holiday destinations enter wildfire season, raising concerns about safety and travel disruption. READ MORE: Pop star sends Celtic fans into frenzy after wearing club jacket on red carpet A BBC Morning Live pundit raised the alarm, claiming a "twin threat" could endanger UK tourists. Travel expert Ash Bhardwaj said: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius. "As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel." Spanish authorities have already issued a pre-alert for forest fires in the Canary Islands, citing "medium to high risk" conditions due to ongoing heat and dry weather. In a statement, the regional government said: "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA. "It is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires." The warning comes amid growing unrest in Spain over tourism. READ MORE: Glasgow travellers face summer chaos amid strikes in Spain The Glasgow Times recently reported that anti-tourist demonstrations and the threat of strike action have raised further concerns for holidaymakers. A series of planned walkouts could affect travellers in July and August if no agreement is reached between hotel workers and employers. The strikes are being organised by a major tourism union in the Canary Islands, with action set to begin on July 4 if talks fail. The proposed strikes would take place every Friday throughout July and August, with union leaders warning of major disruption for holidaymakers. READ MORE: Glasgow college launches Oasis masterclass ahead of reunion tour The action will be confirmed or called off on June 16. Juan Pablo González, manager of the local employers' association, said he remains "moderately optimistic" about reaching a resolution. He said all discussions must remain at the negotiating table.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
Holidaymakers warned of 'high risk' in Spain, Greece and Turkey this summer
UK tourists are being urged to remain vigilant as temperatures soar British holidaymakers are being warned over severe dangers in Spain, Greece and Turkey ahead of the busy summer season. Experts have urged tourists to be aware of potentially devastating wildfires which could spread rapidly in popular holiday resorts. Summer getaways could be at risk as the countries enter wildfire season which could cause chaos and devastation, warned Spanish authorities. A BBC Morning Live pundit raised the alarm claiming a 'twin threat' could endanger UK tourists. Ash Bhardwaj, a travel guru, issued the advice and warned people to be cautious. He said: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius. "As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel." Soaring temperatures, dry conditions and the recent arrival of a calima - dry, dusty winds from the Sahara - have made the islands prone to forest fires, reports Birmingham Live. In a statement on its website, the local government said: 'Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA. "It is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires.' Spain's tourism industry is already feeling the pinch due to escalating anti-tourism demonstrations ahead of the peak season. Protesters in Spain, riled by the strain of mass tourism on housing and services, hit the streets in British holiday hotspots last weekend, brandishing signs demanding tourists to 'go home'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Majorca and Ibiza, usually peaceful escapes for Brits seeking sun and tranquillity, were echoed with the uproar from thousands of demonstrators this Sunday as they sought to pressure authorities into action. Holidaymakers were left gobsmacked, witnessing local inhabitants voicing their grievances over the inundation of cruise ships, private planes, and holiday let landlords, blamed for escalating living costs and tarnishing the charm of their idyllic Balearic islands. At one point during the protest, which organisers said had drawn 30,000 people to Palma's streets, police stepped in at a central bar to shield patrons from protesters' heckles and drumbeats. One local told the Mail, "I'm protesting because I don't want 80 per cent of my money to go on rent. I don't want to be forced to speak only English or German in my apartment block. "I don't want my friends to have to go to the mainland when they have children just to be able to afford a dignified life, a lot of us are fed up."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Travel expert in warning to UK tourists over popular holiday destinations
A travel pundit has issued a warning to Brits over their holidays and has urged them to consider cancelling their trips to Spain and other popular European destinations Brit tourists are being warned of the dangers of jetting off to popular destinations - with potentially devastating wildfire season looming. Locals and visitors to the Canary Islands are monitoring for blazes as authorities maintain a vigilant state of pre-alert season. A BBC Morning Live pundit has sounded the alarm about a twin threat endangering UK tourists' getaways in Spain, Turkey, and Greece. Travel guru Ash Bhardwaj gave the cautionary advice regarding wildfires spreading, telling Brits: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius. "As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel." Soaring temperatures, dry conditions and the recent arrival of a calima - dry, dusty winds from the Sahara - have made the islands prone to forest fires, reports Birmingham Live. In a statement on its website, the local government said: 'Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA. "It is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires.' Spain's tourism industry is already feeling the pinch due to escalating anti-tourism demonstrations ahead of the peak season. Protesters, rallying under the banner 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit), took to the streets on the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote and La Palma last month. Campaigners are calling for a cap on tourist numbers, a halt to new hotel developments, and a more stringent tourist tax, among other demands.
