British tourists hit out at Spanish anti-tourism protesters as they warn ‘be careful what you wish for’ | My news from London

British tourists are threatening to ditch Spain and choose destinations elsewhere following anti-tourism protests, with one Briton warning on social media: “Be careful what you wish for”. It comes after thousands of locals in the Canary and Balearic Islands demonstrated on Saturday against a lack of affordable housing and growing tourist numbers.

A British tourist pointed out online: “The island makes most of its income from tourism”, in response to the protest by 15,000 Mallorcans who protested last weekend, telling tourists to “go home” and “to stay out”. “They should be careful what they wish for,” the tourist warned.

Around 45% of Majorca’s GDP is generated by tourism, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports. Organizers of the demonstration in Mallorca’s capital, Palma, called on the government to crack down on rents, proposing a rent cap and a requirement that people have lived on the island for five years before being allowed to buy a property.

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But the British did not take well to the demands, with one even suggesting a boycott of the islands: “Stop going to Spain for 12 months and they’ll be begging us to come back…Many British tourist spots would greatly appreciate our patronage. more,” reports Birmingham Live.

Another comment highlighted the extent of local frustration: “Last night Palma city center came to a standstill as thousands of residents from all over Mallorca protested the complete saturation of the island not only due to the pressures of tourism but also the catastrophic property situation. This means that many locals can no longer afford to live here. The video is now available on Mallorca Under the Sun’s YouTube channel.

However, another commenter was less sympathetic: “Tourists going home is a pretty clear statement, wider issue or not. I saved over a year for my September holiday this year. It’s the first vacation I’ve had since 2016. I don’t want to spend my time and money in a place where neither is wanted. If I had the option, I would cancel the holiday and certainly not return after this year, and Spanish residents can deal with their wider issues as they see fit.”

Another commenter added: “As someone who has been a ‘tourist’ for over 20 years and up to 4 times a year and hangs out in local bars, restaurants and not all inclusive, it all seems quite aggressive and inflammatory. If tourists go home or don’t come how are many of these businesses going to survive?”

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