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Spain tourism crisis amid stark visitor decline

Benidorm and other tourist spots see empty beaches and bars, causing economic concerns.

August 5, 2025 at 09:34 AM
blur Spain tourism crisis as holidaymakers abandon even Benidorm

A shift in tourist behavior is leaving Spain's popular beaches and bars nearly empty.

Spain faces tourism downturn in iconic holiday spots

Spain's tourism sector is experiencing a sharp decline, with popular resorts like Benidorm seeing an alarming drop in visitors. After years of recovery post-pandemic, bars and beaches are deserted. Particularly concerning is the 57% decrease in holiday rentals in Costa Blanca, attributed to rising prices and protests against overtourism. Local reactions reveal mixed feelings; some residents celebrate the quieter environment, while businesses struggle. Tour guides, for example, report a 20% drop in excursion sales as tourists seem deterred by negative news about overtourism and high costs.

Key Takeaways

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Benidorm experiences a rare drop in holidaymakers.
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Empty beaches and bars mark a significant tourism decline.
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Holiday rentals in Costa Blanca fell by 57% in the first half of the year.
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Residents of Mallorca report some resorts are completely deserted.
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Protests against overtourism may be driving tourists away.
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High living costs in Spain provoke mixed feelings about tourism.

"If you generate negative news, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays."

Pedro Oliver emphasizes how negative perceptions affect tourism and local economies.

"Very good news, let's see if we stop depending on tourism."

A local expresses hope for a future less reliant on mass tourism.

"The news is painted as bad, but the reality is that it's good."

Some locals believe that a reduction in tourists can enhance community quality.

"The tourists we're interested in are being driven away; they don't feel welcome."

Miguel Pérez-Marsá worries about the impact of protests on visitor numbers.

This downturn highlights a tension between tourism and local quality of life. With soaring living costs, many locals welcome reduced crowds, hoping for improved housing availability and a more manageable tourist footprint. However, this presents a serious risk for businesses reliant on seasonal visitors. The challenge lies in balancing local needs with economic dependencies on tourism, suggesting that future policies will need careful consideration to find equilibrium among all stakeholders.

Highlights

  • Benidorm is a ghost town in July, can you believe it?
  • I cannot believe it, this is the quietest I've ever seen Benidorm.
  • The tourists we're interested in are being driven away.
  • Tourism should be regulated to protect local life.

Tourism impact raises concerns about community and economy

The decline in tourists may have severe ramifications for local businesses and economies, prompting debates on tourism management and quality of life.

The evolving relationship between tourism and community needs will be crucial for Spain's economic future.

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