British travel boss warns Spain protests are having an impact
Jet2’s Steve Heapy says Britons are worried
Jet2's CEO, Steve Heapy, said that there was a growing "perception" among some UK sun-seekers that they're no longer welcome in Spain. | Photo: Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter
Palma09/05/2025 11:11
The Spanish tourist board mounted a damage limitation operation in London this week to try and play down the impact the anti-mass tourism protests in Mallorca and across Spain have had on the UK market. Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, said it is “important to distinguish between specific local tensions and the broader national picture. The vast majority of Spain remains enthusiastic in welcoming tourists.
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The headline should read: British travel boss warns British Tabloid sensationalism is having an impact.
Zoltan TeglasThat slogan has been the same for the last 20 years. Always someone else's fault.
I agree. There are less Tourists so far this year. The Tourist Protesters have reduced the numbers of visitors.
I read a wide range of international news feeds and it's clear that the anti-tourist protestors are succeeding in frightening off holidaymakers from visiting the island, particularly the Germans. In a very short time, Mallorca's protestors' bile has been headline copy for numerous news sites and the "stay away" message is reaching its intended audience. And in turn the start of some shop closures and bars has begun. Small numbers at the moment but as the protests and their angry slogans and contemptable graffiti continues, the staff layoffs and business closures will inevitably rise in number. Where it will all end is unknown but there can be no doubt that many of the protestors and their families will lose their jobs and possibly their homes unless Mallorca by some miracle creates, quickly, another market to replace the staying away tourists. Or the protestors come to their senses and realise the potential irrevocable damage they are doing to the island's economy. But are they smart enough, that is the question?
'Heapy said “unlicensed tourism” – such as people staying in private accommodation listed on Airbnb – is “causing a huge problem” Yeah it's nothing to do with the hotels or airlines, it's all someone else's fault.