British holidaymakers lead tourist spending in Spain despite backlash to holidaying in country
Britons are the highest spenders of tourists in Spain
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The UK has led the way as the top spender for tourists visiting Spain with 12.6 million British tourists arriving up to the month of August.
Spending by British holidaymakers increased by 16 per cent, according to the data presented at the fourth Turespaña Convention in Tenerife, taking the total to over €15million (around £12million).
This is despite significant backlash towards Spain with the widespread protests that were seen across the country in 2024.
Overall, Spanish tourism recorded record figures, with an estimated volume of international tourists of around 95 million, compared to 85 million last year and a turnover of over €200billion, according to the President of the Tourism Board, Juan Molas.
Protests have been ongoing in parts of Spain over the past yearGETTYThe true extent of profit may come as a surprise to some after anti-tourist protests sprung up across the country.
Tourists were also seen carrying signs reading statements such as "Tourists go home, SOS residents".
Turespaña’s advisor in London, Manuel Butler, said: "There is a growing tendency to book late and to travel in the mid-season, the months of October and November, which favours deseasonalisation."
GB News readers have been reacting to the ongoing situations unfolding in Spain.
One commenter said: "Simple! Boycott Spain and go somewhere they appreciate us Brits spending!"
Another user said: "Easy go to anywhere but Spain, they will have a problem with hotels and restaurants crying of no clients, and the waiters and bar staff won’t earn tips.
"I lived for many years in Portugal and bar/restaurant staff said French Germans don’t give good tips if any but British overtip! So think there’s going to be a lot of unhappiness in tourism there"
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PAAnother writer said: "Personally, I wouldn't travel to anywhere Spanish even if someone paid me! Droughts, floods and nasty people."
Part of the outrage comes with Spain asking for more details from people when entering the country.
New rules imposed request Britons to provide further details on phone numbers, home and email addresses and Britons being asked about their relationship with their children and group size.
The Spanish Government also said that the changes were imposed to "crackdown on organised crime".
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