A British YouTuber and his partner experienced a festive surprise this Christmas, not from a present under the tree, but from the bill at their holiday dinner table in Benidorm.
A Festive Feast for a Surprising Price
Steve Marsh and his partner Alicja flew to the popular Spanish resort to celebrate the holidays. On December 24th, they enjoyed a traditional three-course Christmas dinner complete with all the trimmings and wine at Sherry's Bar. The couple admitted they were braced for a hefty charge for their festive feast.
However, when the final bill arrived, they were taken aback. The total for both of them came to just €70, which works out at slightly over £61 for the pair. Alicja confessed her shock that the price wasn't €70 per person, praising the establishment for its incredible value. After polishing off the generous roast, Steve declared himself "broken" by the meal's size before the pair headed for a dip in the sea.
Benidorm's Tourism Troubles
While Steve and Alicja enjoyed an affordable Christmas abroad, their chosen destination faces significant challenges. Benidorm, a long-time favourite for UK holidaymakers, is grappling with shifting tourist perceptions and economic pressures.
Across Europe, repeated waves of anti-tourism demonstrations have seen locals voice frustration with visitor numbers. This sentiment is causing concern that travellers may start looking for alternative destinations, potentially harming local economies that rely on tourism.
Benidorm has not been immune. One visitor earlier in the year described it as a "ghost town" and "empty" during a late summer trip. A TikTok user, @yorkshirebargainhunter, shared clips showing deserted streets, questioning why the resort was so quiet during peak season.
A Warning from Industry Leaders
Amid reports of declining visitor numbers, tourism bosses have pointed to a feeling of unwelcome as a key factor. Miguel Pérez-Marsá, head of a nightlife association, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the very tourists they want are being driven away to other destinations where they feel more welcome.
This backdrop makes the positive experience of Steve and Alicja at Sherry's Bar all the more notable. As Steve himself remarked after his meal: "But to be able to get a Christmas dinner in Spain on the 24th of December, that was pretty good wasn't it?" Their story highlights that value and a warm welcome remain powerful draws, even for a resort navigating an uncertain future.
