Spain tourism crisis continues as British travellers cancel holidays following protests

Anti-tourism protests have ramped up in the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and some of Spain's major cities as holiday hotspots become increasingly congested.

People on a Spanish beach.

Around 17 million Britons went on holiday to Spain in 2023. (Image: Getty)

Britons have vowed to cancel their holidays to Spain due to ongoing protests in Spain demanding a half to "mass tourism".

In recent weeks, locals in the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and some of Spain's major cities have expressed anger with the number of people visiting the country on holiday.

Speaking to GB News, some Britons vented their anger at how some in Spain have spoken about tourists in the country.

One person said: "We just cancelled our family holiday to Majorca in August. Now going to Greece instead. We used to go to Majorca every year but won't bother now, they won't survive without tourism."

A second person added: "Well, of course, you are boycotting Spain, only a brain-dead moron spends their hard-earned money going on holiday to somewhere they are not wanted, and you are not wanted.

READ MORE: Majorca crisis continues as locals warned no Brits will lead to one thing

A sign at an overtourism protest.

Major cities have seen huge protests against tourism. (Image: Getty)

"They will find out the hard way that it will be much harder to get you back than to get rid of you."

A third added: "Take and spend your holiday money elsewhere, either by taking a staycation or a holiday abroad. If they don't want us, then they clearly don't want our money... for now. Go elsewhere, folks. I am!"

Despite the anger of many residents, the Canary Islands tourism chief told the Telegraph last year that the islands still want British tourists to come to their holiday destinations.

She said: "It is still safe to visit the Canary Islands and we are delighted to welcome you."

A big protest in Mallorca in May 2024. The sign says 'Mallorca is not for sale'.

A big protest in Mallorca in May 2024. The sign says 'Mallorca is not for sale'. (Image: Getty)

Fernando Clavijo, the Canary Islands President, added: "People who come here to visit and spend their money must not be criticised or insulted. We are playing with our main source of income."

The UK is still by far the biggest source of tourism for Spain. In 2023, more than 17 million British travellers headed to the country on their holidays.

France ranked in second place that year, accounting for around 11.8 million visitors to the country.

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