British tourists admit they are abandoning Spain, favouring different parts of Europe to holiday. It comes after Spanish locals were reported to have dubbed tourists “cancerous”
14:27, 19 Sep 2025Updated 14:28, 19 Sep 2025
Brits admit they are avoiding visiting Spain (stock image)(Image: David Soanes Photography via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers have revealed they’re abandoning Spain for alternative destinations after reports emerged that the once-bustling hotspot has become “eerily quiet.” It’s been suggested that travellers are steering clear of the nation due to persistent anti-tourism demonstrations, with certain Spanish residents branding tourism as “cancerous.”
Laura, who goes by lauratravelvlogs on TikTok, is recognised for chronicling the current climate in Spain, particularly focusing on Barcelona, and she recently highlighted remarks made by locals regarding tourism. Following comments such as “tourists ruined life” for residents and “nobody is begging for tourists to come”, numerous individuals have acknowledged they won’t be returning to the holiday destination.
She admitted that people take these remarks “too far”, whilst sharing footage of remarkably deserted streets. It seems others share her thoughts about Spain’s declining visitor numbers in recent times.
Following the video’s publication, numerous viewers commented to express their opinions on the matter. Scores confessed they haven’t returned to Spain as a consequence.
One individual commented: “Oh wow. Didn’t realise tourism was such an issue there. We planned to go to Barcelona in 2026 for the MotoGP race. Guess we will choose a different race to attend.”
Another remarked: “Tourism is your bread an butter economically. It’s a shame they were so concerned about tourists – they literally drove them out.”
One holidaymaker responded: “Spain was on my bucket list for 2025/2026, but so was Greece. We chose to go visit different parts of Greece for two weeks over Spain. I would rather spend time experiencing a country that wants my business, not a country that doesn’t.”
Another traveller wrote: “Tell them, we listened. I went to Hawaii instead.” A fellow tourist also added: “I would rather go to Portugal or Italy.”
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Some individuals confessed the streets appeared “peaceful and quiet”, while others suggested Laura should also depict what the streets look like when bustling. They contended this would demonstrate some people still desire to visit and appreciate the stunning sights of Spain.
Nonetheless, it’s been observed that the tourism landscape in the country is shifting. On the whole, it’s been reported that Spain has been abandoned by numerous holidaymakers, with dining spots and coastlines looking almost deserted.
Regions of the country have seen a decline in visitor numbers for the first time since the pandemic, coupled with years of anti-tourist protests by locals. In August, photographs from Benidorm displayed a plethora of empty seats outside various venues and notably vacant beaches.
This is particularly unusual for major holiday destinations during the summer season. Miguel Pérez-Marsá, who heads the nightlife association, previously informed the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.”
Tour guides are also experiencing the consequences. Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides, revealed that excursion bookings have dropped by 20% this summer.
“If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays,” he stated. “We are sending the message that we don’t want tourists and that everything is too crowded.”