Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
BRITISH tourist are abandoning Spain and heading to other countries after a series of protests by the locals, as well as a crackdown on accommodation for tourists.
Dave Hawkes said that his 72-year-old family has been visiting Mallorca every year since the 1970s. This year they have chosen to go to Cyrpus in Malta and not Mallorca.
READ MORE: No, Spain has not introduced a ‘three-year tourist ban’
He cited the widespread protests last year and the new ‘big brother law’ as the two major turn offs, both of which said made him feel ‘unwelcome’ in the country.
His post on the Mallorca Facebook forum was met by almost 200 comments from British tourists and expats who were outraged and insisted that British holidaymakers were very much wanted.
Mallorca has seen a number of protests from locals in the last year. They are angry about an increase in the lack of affordable housing. They blame this on Airbnb-style properties.
Meanwhile, many Brits have been concerned by exaggerated reports in the British press of a ‘three-year tourist ban’ in Malaga – despite the policy having no direct impact on holidaymakers.
Holiday flats without separate utilities and entrances, registered after 22 February 2024, will be banned.
The coverage has deterred many Brits from going to Spain this summer.
Hawkes wrote, “As an old 72-year-old man I come to Mallorca two times a year.
“Sad that my days are done coming here. I’m lucky to have such a big family, but after the situation in Spain with holidaymakers, we’ve booked Cyprus and Malta to go this year. It’s unlikely to change any time soon.” I will miss the Island but just won’t Feel Welcome.”
He said: “We went to Palma in the past on the weekend of the protests. It felt hostile, that’s my impression. But it wasn’t nice.”
Hawkes’ words were echoed by a few Brits. One wrote: “We feel the exact same.”
Another person said: “I have been coming to Mallorca for over 40 years and will be returning in May of this year.” After that, I doubt I will return. Because of the way that they want to treat Britons.
“They don’t deserve our tourism, hope they will suffer financially….the end.”
The vast majority of Spaniards who visit or live in Spain have rejected the claims.
This is a bit over the top. No problem at all on the Island. “There were some marches but they were against tourists buying houses and leaving none for Majorcians.”
Another person said: “I have visited Mallorca in the last year and can happily say that I’ve seen nothing. The locals are fantastic and very friendly, and I cannot wait to return with my family this year.”
One Scottish expat said: “I live on this little paradise island. The people here are so nice, I can’t even complain. I have no clue what the media says.
