'Never again!' Britons vow to boycott Spain as they fear they are 'unwelcome' - 'I certainly won't be going'

Beach in Catalonia, Spain

Britons are shunning Spain as anti-tourist feeling increases

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Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 18/06/2024

- 12:32

Holidaymakers are keen to explore alternative destinations as Spain cracks down on visitors

While Spain is a popular tourist destination among Britons, loved for its sun, sea, sand and slow pace of life, more and more holidaymakers are threatening to boycott the destination.

Currently, Britons are cancelling holidays to Spain amid anti-tourist protests and new laws.



In recent days, thousands of locals marched against mass tourism in the Balearic Islands, following demonstrations in popular holiday hotspots Majorca and Menorca.

Britons have consequently admitted feeling "unwelcome" in Spain, threatening to spend their money holidaying elsewhere.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

'We've been going to Tenerife twice a year for many years, but never again'

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In addition to anti-tourist sentiment, new laws have also affected Britons in Spain.

In some parts of Ibiza and Majorca, tourists will not be allowed to drink alcohol on the street, and shops that sell alcohol must close between 9:30pm and 8am.

Britons attending Stag and Hen parties will possibly be affected by a ban on wearing clothing representing human genitals, or only wearing underwear on the public thoroughfare.

While Spain remains a popular destination for holidaymakers, not all Britons are best pleased with the rule changes and anti-tourism.

One GB News reader said: "We've been going to Tenerife twice a year for many years, but never again - just booked two weeks in the Caribbean for February 2025. Hopefully they will appreciate us a little more."

Another added: "Unfortunately, I booked Lanzarote months ago (before I knew about them moaning about English tourists) for January 2025, but I certainly won't be going to any Spanish Island or Spain after that. I was in Rhodes last month. People are much more friendly than the Spanish."

A third is worried about holidaying in Spain but understands that some things need to change.

They said: "I have a holiday booked soon to Gran Canaria and I have seriously thought about cancelling as I don't feel we will be welcome.

"I do understand why they are protesting but I think they need to focus on the problems - specifically clothing and Airbnbs, not protesting tourism as a whole." Another said they "totally agree with the clothing issue".

One reader recommended an alternative holiday destination. They advised: "Go to Bulgaria - just as hot, cheaper, and lovely beaches.

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Lanzarote beach

'I certainly won't be going to any Spanish Island or Spain'

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But others understood the plight of Spaniards who want to get a handle on tourism in Spain.

One said they are "happy for the tourists to go elsewhere". They added: "Spain is a great country. We have lived here for 18 years. One thing we don't need is tattooed beer bellies parading around and creating a nuisance of themselves.

"Tourists should remember that people live here and are entitled to peace and quiet. The worst ones are renters of properties. They play music loudly and let their children scream and shout in the pool - no respect for the people living next door. Spain won't collapse because a few tourists go to another country."

Another said: "You obviously don't understand the reasons for the protests. They're against mass tourism and developers building everywhere, using up resources - we're talking islands here.

"Plus, they're not anti-British laws - there are other nationalities that travel to those places - although certain Brits do have to behave a lot better than what they do. You can't honestly defend some people."

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