Thousands of Brits are set to jet off to Spain this summer to enjoy a well-deserved break in the sun. With its golden beaches and warm weather, the country remains the number one overseas destination for UK travellers. Anti-tourism sentiment is growing in popular hotspots such as Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, including Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, and the Canary Islands.

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy has now warned in a recent statement that these demonstrations are starting to affect British travellers, with growing numbers expressing concerns about how protests could disrupt their holidays.

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“Protesters are becoming increasingly vocal, and that’s making some people question whether now is the right time to go,” Heapy said.

He also warned that the protests could grow in scale if the concerns of local residents aren’t addressed, potentially causing disruption in more tourist hotspots.

Heapy urged authorities to strike the right balance between protecting communities and supporting the travel sector.

He added that tourism needs to be managed in a more sustainable way, with cooperation between the Spanish government and industry leaders to create long-term solutions that benefit both residents and visitors.

In recent months, residents in places like Barcelona and the Balearics have staged regular protests, carrying signs with slogans like “Tourists Go Home” and “Tourism Kills Our City”.

The backlash is largely driven by the rise in short-term holiday lets, which locals say have pushed up rent prices and made it harder to find affordable homes.

As a result, some British tourists are reportedly second-guessing their plans, worried that the protests could impact their stay, or even make them feel unwelcome.

Mr Heapy added that a lack of regulation in Spain’s booming short-term rental market was at the heart of the issue.

While platforms like Airbnb offer cheap and convenient accommodation for visitors, many locals blame them for driving up housing costs and changing the character of traditional neighbourhoods.

There are also growing concerns about safety and standards.

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“No thanks. The Spain I knew years ago was fantastic. The food, BBQ’s. The nightlife. Now it’s pizza and chips for breakfast with someone sitting …” 19

“Spain since the time of franco have marketed the Country as a Tourist destination …” 17

“There are plenty of other countries to go to that are better.” 16

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Some critics claim that tourist rentals are not subject to the same health and safety checks as hotels, raising potential risks for visitors.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has since vowed to tackle the issue, promising that “all necessary measures” will be taken to prevent further unrest.

A government investigation has been launched to explore the root causes, with experts from the National Cybersecurity Institute and the Ministry of Ecological Transition involved.

Despite the tensions, Spain continues to welcome millions of visitors each year.

But with protests likely to continue into the summer, tourists are being warned to stay informed and be respectful of local communities during their stay.