Brian Hayhurst on growing fears of tourist protests in Spain and why golf isn’t his game

Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub owner Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are expats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes a regular blog for the Huddersfield Hub.

Spain is making a strong comeback, particularly in the hospitality sector, with hotel occupancy reaching record levels.

But those looking forward to their sunny holiday here will be shocked to find that hotel prices have risen by 10%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

With many holiday hotspots now becoming hostile to overcrowding caused by too many tourists, there could be local protests.

No signs of anti-tourist disruption here – yet. But in several major popular cities and the Balearic Islands – a 10,000-strong protest took place in Palma last Saturday – it is becoming a serious problem and could affect future holidays.

A growth sector on the Costa del Sol and in Spain in general is golf. Among the more than 70 superb courses here, a prestigious award from The Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) was presented this week to the resort of La Cala.

It has been chosen as the best golf resort in Spain for its commitment to providing an exceptional golf experience.

Some may disagree with the choice as there are many immaculate courses and we have some friends who are marshals proud of their courses to be enjoyed. But the resort of La Cala is very luxurious indeed.

A few decades ago, this region was to be called the Costa del Golf, as the incredible growth of the sport began to bring players to the wide range of quality courses around the world.

But the authorities decided that including the essential word “sun” was more important to a wider range of visitors.

The first golf course here in 1926 was the Royal Club del Campo – Malaga. It is now called Parador del Golf.

I tried to master even the basics of this unpredictable game after playing two 9-hole games with colleagues.

But my efforts reminded me that it takes hours of dedicated practice. I’ve run a few clubs and occasionally walk to a local course with well-dressed putting greens and a driving range for a low-cost, quiet fun session.

I was quite shocked to see both the putting greens very busy and people lining up at each of the golf courses to get a sense of their driving ability.

I have frequently mentioned chiringuitos (beach bars) – the popular cafe-bars that offer a wide range of drinks and some with typical Spanish delicacies.

In our region it has become more apparent that those relaxed bars, sometimes family-owned, have been taken over by wealthy consortia or groups, making them more sophisticated and raising prices dramatically.

They have lost their antique, rather old-fashioned feel and feel like they are losing their character.

Those who decide to visit this peninsula via Gibraltar airport can still expect long queues entering and exiting the Rock.

Negotiations on resolving the huge number of borders going in and out will continue until an agreement is reached between the UK and Spain.

Talks have been ongoing since Brexit. The Chief Minister of the Rock, Fabian Picardo, kept King Charles informed about the latest negotiations. The king seems to have taken a great interest in the situation there.

Now, weeks before the official start of summer, places such as Seville – the largest city in southern Andalusia – baked in temperatures below 30 degrees last week, and visitors are being told to prepare for even milder conditions in coming days.

I hope sun seekers have a great time on the Costa del Sol with no immediate worries about drought.

Building continues apace, expanding the once sleepy La Cala, with cranes and developments underway atop the already busy hill.

Finally, treat me to a personal message. Happy 21st birthday to grandson Jack Armitage from Grumps and Grandma.

READ MORE: Catch up on Brian’s previous blogs HERE