Spaniards who previously bid farewell to British vacationers last summer are now eagerly inviting them back as protests against tourism dwindle, according to recent findings.
Outraged residents in Spain, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands clashed with tourists, using water guns and expressing discontent over overcrowding. However, a recent survey conducted by holiday company On the Beach reveals that nearly 80% of locals welcome UK tourists, with only a small minority, seven percent, expressing opposition.
The survey shows that most respondents are concerned about the impact on their businesses, which heavily rely on tourism, a significant contributor to Spain’s economy. Nearly half of the participants worry that local establishments like pubs, hotels, and shops have suffered damage due to the demonstrations, while 85% acknowledge the crucial role tourism plays in Spain’s economic stability.
Zoe Harris from On the Beach emphasized that Spain urgently needs tourists, highlighting that the protests represent a minority view. She stressed the importance of British tourists to local communities and businesses, countering concerns about short-term rental platforms like Airbnb driving up costs and displacing locals from the housing market.
The study by On the Beach also refutes the notion that frustrations expressed in protests are aimed at holidaymakers, instead pointing to grievances directed at Spanish authorities. Harris emphasized that tourism is not the enemy and that communities in Spain and the Canary Islands are eager to welcome British visitors.
Despite Spain’s enduring popularity as a holiday destination, Turkey has surpassed the Canaries as the top choice for UK travelers. Spanish tourism officials fear that the aggressive demonstrations targeting tourists could severely impact the nation’s £100 billion travel sector.
During the peak of last summer’s chaos, protesters in Spain were seen using water pistols against tourists dining in restaurants, chanting “tourists go home,” and obstructing visitors from sunbathing on beaches. Jorge Marichal, head of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation, criticized the protesters as being unwise for their actions.
Overall, the research underscores the importance of tourism to Spain’s economy and highlights the desire of locals to welcome back British visitors with open arms.