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Posted on 11/12/2025 9:10:33 PM PST by nickcarraway
It’s been a weird year for Spanish tourism. Scroll through the British press and you’d think Spaniards are fed up with tourists altogether, from protests in Mallorca to “Tourists go home” graffiti in Barcelona.
But behind this noise, travel experts say something else is happening: misinformation.
Now, British travel agencies have had enough. The UK’s main travel association, ABTA, has launched a guide to help agents explain the situation to worried clients. In doing so, they push back against what they call a “distorted picture” of Spain’s relationship with tourism.
A guide for Brits travelling to Spain
Speaking at the World Summit of Travel Agency Associations in Jaen, southern Spain, ABTA’s director of public affairs, Susan Deer, said the issue had become impossible to ignore.
“In the UK, the media loves a travel story and in the last 18 months, many have focused on anti-tourism. Naturally, that makes clients nervous,” she said. “We created a guide to help agents start honest conversations with travellers and give them the facts.”
The guide, available online for UK travel advisers, explains how to talk about the protests. The guide explains the real causes behind them and why they don’t mean British holidaymakers aren’t welcome.
Spain is still in Brits’ hearts
Despite the headlines, bookings to Spain haven’t dropped. ABTA says demand for the Balearics, Costa del Sol and Canary Islands remains as strong as ever. “People haven’t stopped going to Spain. That’s down to how destinations manage tourism and how travel agents communicate it.”
Mark Meader, executive vice president of the American travel association ASTA, agreed, and pointed a finger at sensationalist coverage.
“Media outlets chase negative headlines. But this gives agents a real opportunity to educate consumers and remind them why travel matters,” he said.
Beyond the headlines
Tourism experts say travellers are simply changing. Post-pandemic, many now seek experiences that feel more authentic, not just sunbathing at crowded beaches. “People still want to see the Eiffel Tower,” said Meader, “but they also want a glass of wine in a small Catalan village or to visit a quiet cove in Menorca.”
For Spain, that’s not bad news at all. The shift could help spread visitors more evenly and ease the strain on hotspots like Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga or Palma de Mallorca.
Meanwhile, travel agents are being encouraged to “tell the fuller story”, that Spain’s protests are less about tourists and more about housing, wages and sustainability.
So no, Brits aren’t about to get water-gunned in Barcelona. The beer and the wine are still cold, the beaches are still there. You’re still very welcome. Spain wants you to come, perhaps just a little smarter and a little more respectful.
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Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
Sexy Beast (2000) if looking for a movie to watch this weekend.
Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Ben Kingsley
Criminal expatriate (retired) Winstone living in sunny Spain forced to do one more job in England by psychopath Kingsley.
Intense, language.
I find Spain delightful. I am a Gringo that speaks Spanish and my wife is from Mexico. Language is not a problem. We do go to Madrid to the the magnificent museums. They are impressive and to just look at the architecture of that magnificent city and of course the Al-Hambra in Southern Spain and Toledo in central Spain.
However we mostly travel where the normal Spanish vacationers travel and stay. It is great and a lot cheaper. The locals much appreciate communicating to us in Spanish when not in an area of foreign tourists.
Last visit to Spain I spoke not one word of English except to my wife and more often than not it was in Spanish. Spain is a great place to visit, just stay away from the tourist areas.
peregrinatores eunt domum!
The Spanish don’t like tourists until it’s time to pay their bills, then they love them. It has always been such.
I forgot to add this. I most highly recommend the region of Asturias in Northern Spain to visit. It is cheap if you stay in the hotels the locals use. To the North is the Ocean, to the South are mountains with snow. It is beautiful. Oddly this was where Christianity in Spain survived the Muslim conquest of Spain. King Peleo was the start of the reconquest of Spain by Christianity for Spain. Asturias was the last place they survived. Over the next several hundred years they pushed South and liberated Spain again for Christianity. Today there is a Cathedral in Covedanga up in the mountains where King Peleo was cornered by the Muslim troops. It was a cave where his troops hid. Today that cave is a shrine and the cathedral is below. According to legend a great rain storm swept the Muslim Army away and then King Peleo’s troops slayed the rest. This was the beginning of pushing the Muslims out of Spain.
Gringo in the meaning we think of it today is a Mexican term. Also, your wife is fine with it? Spanish people seem to often be rude about people speaking Mexican Spanish.
If “experts” are calling something misinformation, then it’s quite likely that the information is true.
I worked for years with a guy from New Mexico whose many times great grandfather came to the area with the expedition of Peralta, and settled an area near Sante Fe that had the only water for many miles.
He spoke Castilian Spanish, as did his remote ancestor, and could barely understand Mexicans. He said he was welcomed with open arms when he visited Spain in the 1970’s while in the USAF.
I am in Madrid at this very moment, sitting in a famous churro shop. Everyone I meet has been very nice. Would recommend!
Spain IS delightful!
I got around OK with my 15-word Spanish vocabulary—mostly having to deal with food and wine...
;)
Great flick! One of my favourites. Ben Kingsley nails his role.
I’ve been to Spain five times over 30 years. With the exception of July/August heat...I think it’s best place to go and spend 10 to 14 days.
I would say that certain areas (Ibiza and Mallorca for example) that there’s a lot of negativity with locals that has suddenly appeared in the past 5 years. Some relates to non-Spaniards who moved in and triggered a housing crisis. Some relates to a cost of living problem. Some relates to drunk Brits or Germans.
you’d think Spaniards are fed up with tourists altogether, from protests in Mallorca to “Tourists go home” graffiti in Barcelona.
And screamers outside restaurants and all those signs saying GTFO....
But don’t believe your lyin eyes...its just peachy keen fine!
The chocolate sauce with that churro is great if you are where I think you are!
The problem isn’t the Spaniards. The problem is with British tourists.
They are boorish, obnoxious drunks.
Second worst tourists ever. Only the Chinese are more obnoxious than the Brits.
I’ve been to Barcelona many many times , I even have an upcoming trip to Barcelona
I never had any issues , but I do sort of speak Spanish, at least I get by
Never had issues with any kind of problem
Barcelona is beautiful , but it does have a lot of traffic 😂
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