Spain's tourism industry faces an unexpected downturn, with popular destinations like Benidorm experiencing a stark decline in visitors. Photographs from the resort show rows of empty chairs outside bars and restaurants, and beaches unusually quiet for July.
Harry Poulton, 24, who moved to Benidorm after his first lads' holiday, described the scene as a 'ghost town'. On TikTok, he said: 'Benidorm is a ghost town...in July?! I've never seen it this quiet. Where is everyone?!' Despite his comments, some holidaymakers reported families rather than stag and hen parties.
The drop-off extends beyond Benidorm. In the Costa Blanca, holiday rental usage fell by 2.2% in the first half of the year, now at 57% occupancy, according to local newspaper Sur. Rising prices, anti-tourist protests, and changing travel behaviour are blamed. In Majorca, locals say some resorts are 'completely dead', with officials claiming demonstrations are 'scaring away visitors'.
Miguel Pérez-Marsá, head of the nightlife association, said: 'The tourists we're interested in are being driven away; they don't feel welcome.' Tour guide Pedro Oliver reported excursion sales down 20% this summer, adding: 'We are sending the message that we don't want tourists.' However, some locals welcome the decline, hoping for less dependence on tourism and lower housing costs, which have risen 68% in Barcelona over the past decade.
