British Tourists Outraged Over New Spanish Financial Requirement, Threaten Boycott
British tourists are expressing outrage over a new regulation in Spain requiring visitors to demonstrate they have at least €113.40 (£97) per day available for their stay. This rule, applicable across mainland Spain as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands, has sparked a significant backlash, with some British travelers even threatening to boycott the country, shared by The Sun.
The regulation is part of Spain’s broader efforts to manage the environmental and public service impacts of tourism. However, the financial requirement has not been well-received, as evidenced by the vocal criticisms from many British holidaymakers. One disgruntled tourist suggested, “If the country would stand together and boycott Spain in favor of other Mediterranean countries, within three months they would be begging us to come back. 17 million visitors is a lot of money to the Spanish economy.”
This sentiment was echoed by others who view the move as potentially anti-British, with one commenter noting, “Spain forgets it’s a poor country, without tourists they have nothing to sell.” Yet, another individual countered this view by highlighting Spain’s economic standing, pointing out its rank as the 15th largest by GDP globally.
The debate extends beyond mere financial implications. Some tourists suggest that spending their money in the UK or other destinations might force Spain to reconsider the rule. “Simply don’t go and spend your money in the UK or elsewhere instead, and those countries will lose out! They will soon put an end to it when they are not receiving any money from British tourism,” one commenter argued.
Additionally, concerns are rising about other local measures affecting tourism, such as stringent water usage restrictions on the Costa del Sol due to an ongoing drought, and potential early closing times for bars and restaurants. In Benidorm, a popular destination for nightlife, a new rule imposes fines of between €750 and €1,200 (£641 to £1,026) for swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am.
Amid these developing regulations, some British tourists are reconsidering their travel plans, with one suggesting, “Why not take it to a country where you are welcome and not just your money? Vote with your wallet. Spain will get the message, even if by then you’ve discovered better places and never return to Spain.”
As Spain navigates these regulatory changes, the response from British tourists may significantly impact its tourism sector, which is a vital part of the country’s economy.