Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza protesters have been humiliated as figures show how much UK tourists are needed in the European Union hotspot. 17.3 million British tourists embarked on Spain in 2023 which reveals the UK is the top source of international visitors in the country.
UK tourists account for 20.4 per cent of the total number of tourists in Spain. UK tourists who visited Spain last year travelled predominantly for leisure (93 per cent of the total) and stayed mostly in hotels (69 per cent).
This was followed rented accommodation (12 per cent) and the homes of family or friends (9 per cent. Tourists were predominantly middle class (58 per cent), with higher education (7 per cent), the findings in the Balearic Islands also showed.
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It comes after protests and demonstrations over UK tourists which saw locals scrawl “go home” on homemade placards. Those who travelled as a couple (36 per cent), followed by those who travelled as a family (27 per cent). Their average age was 45.6 years. The main activities were enjoying the beach (76 per cent), shopping (55 per cent) and visiting cities (54 per cent), with the majority opting for non-package travel (58 per cent).
According to ONS (Office for National Statistics) data, Spain is UK tourists’ top destination abroad. Activists of this overtourism in Spain have been vocal in their disdain despite British tourists spending roughly £16 billion (€19.9) billion in Spain in 2023, equating to 18.4% of the total spending.
The Minister of Tourism and Employment in Spain, Jessica de Leon, has laid bare just how much Spain relies on tourism particularly among the big spenders such as Brits. de Leon admitted the significant economic contribution from visitors to Spain during the World Travel Market in London.
Spain is perceived as a ‘beach plus’ destination, where sun and beach is the basic element that is complemented by other activities or experiences, the ONS found.
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