A wave of anti-tourism protests sweeping through Spain is alarming British tourists, leading many to reconsider their holiday plans in the famous Balearic Islands. Concerned travellers have contacted their hotels to ensure their safety as anti-tourism demonstrations grip the sun-drenched region.
Reports from Majorcan businesses indicate a spike in cancellations due to the tense atmosphere. Maria Gilbert, a hotel manager on one of the islands, confirmed the trend to *Diario de Mallorca*, noting that long-time British visitors are pulling out of their trips. “Long-standing clients who have been coming for years and who had already made their reservations for this year have called – after seeing the news – to cancel,” Gilbert said. “We are getting questions about whether it’s dangerous to go to Mallorca and whether people are going to be hurt.”
Despite the protests and some Brits cancelling their holidays, the islands have seen a 15% increase in bookings, reflecting a broader national trend that could make this year a record-breaking one for Spanish tourism. Yet, some hoteliers remain concerned about the unrest’s impact on their guests.
Yoann Blanc, co-owner of the tourist accommodation agency Alquilair, expressed his worries to Diario de Mallorca, saying, “We’ve been receiving calls for weeks now from guests who are worried after hearing about tourism phobia. A few days ago, a family who were in a rental property in Bunyola saw the windscreen of their hire car plastered with stickers with the slogan ‘Tourist go home’.”
“I worry because I don’t know what the next step will be,” Blanc added, reflecting the uncertainty facing tourists and businesses as the protests continue.
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