The vibrant heart of Spain's Costa Blanca, usually pulsating with life, has fallen into an eerie silence. Benidorm, a resort synonymous with package holidays and bustling promenades, has been shockingly dubbed a 'ghost town' as a perfect storm of protests and new rules drives tourists away.
Local business owners are sounding the alarm, reporting an unprecedented downturn in visitor numbers. The famous beaches and bars, typically packed with British and international holidaymakers, are now described as 'empty' and 'deserted'.
A Perfect Storm of Unrest
The dramatic decline is attributed to a powerful combination of factors. Widespread anti-tourist protests across Spain, including the Canary Islands and Mallorca, have captured global headlines, creating a perception of unwelcomeness.
This has been compounded by a series of new local regulations, such as a proposed tourist tax and strict limits on alcohol consumption in certain areas, which are deterring the resort's core demographic of British tourists seeking sun and relaxation.
Businesses on the Brink
The impact on the local economy is severe. Bars, restaurants, and shops that rely on tourist euros are facing an existential threat. One distressed bar owner was filmed showcasing the empty streets, pleading for visitors to return and save livelihoods.
The situation is a stark contrast to Benidorm's reputation as a resilient tourist haven that previously boasted one of Spain's highest occupancy rates year-round.
A Call to Action
Faced with this crisis, the local hospitality sector is launching a fightback. There is a concerted effort to reassure potential visitors that Benidorm remains open for business and eager to welcome tourists, distancing itself from the more extreme anti-tourist sentiments seen elsewhere in Spain.
The question now is whether this iconic resort can quickly reverse the damaging narrative and reclaim its status as the UK's favourite holiday hotspot before the summer season is lost.
