Overview

• Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy reports a rise in UK tourists questioning their safety and reception in Spain due to anti-tourism protests in cities like Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.
• Protestors have criticized mass tourism for exacerbating housing shortages and environmental strain, with some demonstrations using slogans such as 'tourists go home.'
• Unlicensed short-term rentals, often linked to platforms like Airbnb, were identified as a significant issue, with Heapy calling for fines of up to €250,000 for non-compliant hosts.
• Spanish authorities have introduced new measures, including limits on holiday rental licenses, tourism taxes, and destination management reforms to address overtourism impacts.
• Tourism officials, including Manuel Butler and Rosario Sanchez Grau, emphasize that Spain remains committed to welcoming visitors, with over 18 million UK tourists visiting last year.