Ani-tourist sentiment could become “dangerous” as it spreads to Spain, an expert has warned, as Ibiza locals join the growing chorus of people fed up with their homes becoming overrun with people.
Protesters have called for a crackdown on tourists visiting the Spanish seaside resort, which is popular with Britons seeking a sun-soaked break aboard.
Campaigners have claimed that overcrowding has forced workers on the island to “hotbed” in rooms of up to six people and that residents now caravans due to skyrocketing property prices.
The protests echo those from other Spanish tourism hotspots, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, one of which is Tenerife, the community now dotted with “tourists go home” graffiti.
Airline operators have said the increased activism is a “danger” to some of these areas, with their reputations now being placed on the line.
Steve Heapy, the CEO of Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays, warned on Tuesday that Spain is at risk “from an anti-tourist sentiment”.
Speaking at a forum hosted by Spanish tourism publication Hosteltur, the CEO added that if they are allowed to continue and illegal holiday lets are not dealt with, tourists “will leave”.
He said: “Spain is at risk from an anti-tourist sentiment that could affect its reputation in the long term.”
Mr Heapy added: “If the impression is given that tourists are not wanted, they will leave.”
Other forum attendees issued similar warnings and had harsher words for local officials who they believe have failed to deal with overcrowding.
Ramón Aragonés, the CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, said the issue was a “scourge” and warned it would be “difficult to reverse the reputation of the sector” in Spain.
He said the country is now “associated with overcrowding” and added the present demand on the sector is “not sustainable over time”.
Ibiza locals leading the campaign against overcrowding have said they are not against tourists but seeking reform to the industry, namely dealing with the issue of illegal renting.
Wolverhampton-born activist Xaquelina Perry, who has lived in Ibiza for 40 years, told the i her group wants to “change the model of tourism”.
She said: “We want them to stop the illegal renting, which is forcing workers to live in caravans and tents.”
