Spain holidays are in doubt as anti-tourism protests continue, with British tourists warning they will go elsewhere after the Jet2 boss said the demonstrations could affect their holidays
The boss of Jet2 has warned Brits travelling to Spain(Image: Andrew Fox via Getty Images)
UK holidaymakers are being cautioned about travel to Spain in light of a rising tide of antagonism towards tourists. Jet2‘s chief executive, Steve Heapy, has indicated that protests and displays of discontent could start to affect the experiences of British tourists, with concerns that such anti-tourism sentiments may interfere with holiday plans.
“Protesters are becoming increasingly vocal, and that’s making some people question whether now is the right time to go,” Heapy expressed.
A disgruntled Brit shared: “We had a holiday booked to Ibiza but changed it to Greece. The people in Greece are so welcoming. We used to enjoy Spain but won’t go where we’re not wanted.”
Another remarked: “Well Spain appears to be crowded, I’ve never been there but, if tourists abandon Spain that means it would be less crowded and, make way for people like me who doesn’t like crowds and would rather be with the local people for a good holiday experience.”
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One more added: “If it were me, I’d see if I could go somewhere else. A holiday is a time of relaxation, time with the family, having to worry about the locals reaction and protest would spoil your enjoyment.”, reports Birmingham Live.
And a final comment read: “So let’s get this straight the boss of British tourist company is warning the Spanish that Brits might not go to Spain on their holidays because of the protests. Well Steve without stating the obvious I think that was their objective.”
One individual expressed disdain for package holidays, remarking: “This is why I have never been on a package holiday they are cheap and tatty and some of the people to blame are the bosses.”
Another voiced their perspective on the protests, arguing that it’s not tourism to fault but rather: “The protesters have it wrong. The Spanish government has failed for decades to build enough public housing for locals.”
They suggested fiscal alternatives, adding, “Even a slight increase in alcohol taxes could have paid for it. Punishing visitors is totally misdirecting. Spain really needs tourism and more of it, despite what a few overly vocal Spaniards try to say with their water pistols in hand.”
A separate comment emphasised that British tourists are not the target: “The British are the victims again, you are welcome in Spain this is not aimed at you, but all tourists more overly at the local governments who need to come up with solutions to peoples concerns.”
The same individual continued, contesting a common belief: “Before you go down the route that if it wasn’t for British tourists then this sector of Spain would collapse then you are wrong plenty more tourists who are not British.”
Meanwhile, another announced a change in their long-standing holiday plans, saying: “We are a family of twelve – adults and children. We’ve holidayed in Spain and its islands for over three decades but not any more – this year we’re going to Crete and all of us have said we will holiday elsewhere every year now so it’s adios to Spain from us!”.