Why Spain wants tourists to go home

 

Why Spain wants tourists to go home

Today in Focus Series

Presented by Hannah Moore with Sam Jones; produced by Alex Atack, Natalie Ktena and Joel Cox; executive producer Homa Khaleeli

 

Mon 29 Jul 2024 03.00 BST

https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2024/jul/29/why-spain-wants-tourists-to-go-home

 

For decades, Spain has been the destination of choice for Brits desperate for sun, sea and sand. But now there is a growing backlash against tourism. What went wrong? Sam Jones reports

 

Since the 1960s, Spain has been a summer holiday staple for Brits, from 18-30 holidays in Magaluf to soaking up culture in Barcelona and clubbing in Ibiza. But now, it seems, many Spaniards have had enough. Across the country there have been protests, and tourists in Barcelona were recently sprayed with water pistols.

 

Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, explains the country’s history with tourism and how it has taken such a firm grip on the Spanish economy, and why some residents have had enough. Marti Cuso, who lives in Barcelona, says he has seen his community transform thanks to home rental websites. He explains the effect they have on the local rental market.

 

Altaha, a surf instructor from Tenerife, says tourism has not just caused the cost of living to skyrocket, but also damaged the environment. He explains why he went on hunger strike to protest against the construction of yet another hotel. And Sam tells Hannah Moore what is being done to try to wean the Spanish economy off its reliance on tourists.