A British expat living in Benidorm has declared the popular holiday destination 'finished', claiming tourists are being priced out and seeking cheaper alternatives elsewhere. Harry Poulton, a TikTok influencer, posted videos showing deserted streets in July, a time when the city is usually bustling.
'Is Benidorm finished? Where is everybody? It's the middle of July, and it's absolutely dead,' Poulton said in a clip that gained over 125,000 views. He noted that even the beach and the strip were unusually quiet, with bars hardly busy.
Viewers responded with theories, with many pointing to rising costs. One commenter said, 'Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices.' Another suggested, 'Everyone is going to Salou, Spain.' A third added, 'Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price.'
Poulton acknowledged that while eating out and drinking remain reasonable compared to the UK, overall costs have risen. He pondered, 'Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? Mad, really - what are holidays? What's a cheap holiday now?'
Meanwhile, anti-tourism protests are expected to continue across Europe. The Southern European Network Against Touristification warned that 'the struggle against touristification is growing' and threatened further actions on World Tourism Day in September.
