British tourists visiting popular Spanish destinations such as Majorca, Malaga and Tenerife are being met with hostile messages from locals, including posters and graffiti telling them to “get out” or “go home”. The backlash comes as Spain’s visitor numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, exacerbating tensions over housing and the impact of tourism.
In Malaga, a campaign led by bar owner Dani Drunko has seen stickers and graffiti urging tourists to leave, with slogans such as “this used to be my house” and “a family used to live here”. Drunko told local publication Sur that his rental contract was not renewed because the property was being converted for tourist lets, reflecting a broader frustration among residents about rising housing costs.
In Tenerife, graffiti along the seafront has told tourists to “go home”, while Majorca has seen protests including attacks on tourist buses and slashed bicycle tyres. Majorcan officials have indicated a desire to shift towards “quality rather than quantity” tourism, aiming to attract fewer but higher-spending visitors.
British tourists are also warned to be aware of strict local laws in these destinations, with hefty fines for rule-breaking. The growing discontent highlights the negative impact of mass tourism on local communities, including increased prices for housing and essential services.
