Anna Barry
Guest Reporter
Britons have threatened to boycott Spain as anti-tourism protests continue across popular hotspots such as the Canary Islands.
Demonstrations have been ongoing for around a year, with locals voicing their concerns about growing touristification and overtourism.
The backlash comes as the country saw a record 94 million foreign visitors last year.
Ahead of the Easter holidays - when many Britons will flock to Spain for some springtime sun - hundreds of thousands marched across 40 cities, protesting against soaring rents and a lack of affordable homes.
This demonstration, which took place on April 5, was in response to the country's severe housing shortage, exacerbated by mass tourism.
In light of the pre-Easter protests, Britons have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some threatening to boycott the popular destination going forward.
"Just don't go to Spain," wrote one GB News reader, while others suggested alternatives: "Would rather go to Italy anyway" and "Greece is nicer."
"Be careful what you wish for," another threatened, while one suggested that Britons "take their money elsewhere".
"If nobody went this year, they would be begging us to go back," another commented.
One disgruntled reader agreed: "Don't go - they'll be first to complain when tourism dries up. They're biting the hand that feeds them."
It's not difficult to see why some Britons have started to feel unwelcome in their favourite holiday destination.
In an open letter to holidaymakers last month, seven organisations representing residents stated: "Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you. We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem."
Some anti-tourist protests across the country have even turned violent, including the torching of hired cars in Tenerife. Shocking "kill a tourist" graffiti also appeared on the popular island.
Britons have also been faced with new restrictions in Spain, as Malaga implements a three-year ban on the registration of new holiday rentals in 43 neighbourhoods.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Not all Britons are unsympathetic to the Spanish protests, though.
"You can understand their point of view," wrote one GB News reader. "It's where they live - look at the second home debacle in Cornwall. Is that any different?" A few added that they "can't blame the islanders".
Despite rampant protests, Spain continues to be a popular destination among British holidaymakers and expats.
In more Spain news, Britons living in the European hotspot have been issued new safety guidance.
Find Out More...
Demonstrations have been ongoing for around a year, with locals voicing their concerns about growing touristification and overtourism.
The backlash comes as the country saw a record 94 million foreign visitors last year.
Ahead of the Easter holidays - when many Britons will flock to Spain for some springtime sun - hundreds of thousands marched across 40 cities, protesting against soaring rents and a lack of affordable homes.

This demonstration, which took place on April 5, was in response to the country's severe housing shortage, exacerbated by mass tourism.
In light of the pre-Easter protests, Britons have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some threatening to boycott the popular destination going forward.
"Just don't go to Spain," wrote one GB News reader, while others suggested alternatives: "Would rather go to Italy anyway" and "Greece is nicer."
"Be careful what you wish for," another threatened, while one suggested that Britons "take their money elsewhere".
"If nobody went this year, they would be begging us to go back," another commented.
One disgruntled reader agreed: "Don't go - they'll be first to complain when tourism dries up. They're biting the hand that feeds them."
It's not difficult to see why some Britons have started to feel unwelcome in their favourite holiday destination.
In an open letter to holidaymakers last month, seven organisations representing residents stated: "Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you. We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem."
Some anti-tourist protests across the country have even turned violent, including the torching of hired cars in Tenerife. Shocking "kill a tourist" graffiti also appeared on the popular island.
Britons have also been faced with new restrictions in Spain, as Malaga implements a three-year ban on the registration of new holiday rentals in 43 neighbourhoods.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Britons in Spain must provide document as new EU travel system set to launch this year
- European destination with ‘sublime tropical climate’ sees 12% rise in UK flights
- 61,000 customers to receive refund as airline admits overcharging passengers in major error

Not all Britons are unsympathetic to the Spanish protests, though.
"You can understand their point of view," wrote one GB News reader. "It's where they live - look at the second home debacle in Cornwall. Is that any different?" A few added that they "can't blame the islanders".
Despite rampant protests, Spain continues to be a popular destination among British holidaymakers and expats.
In more Spain news, Britons living in the European hotspot have been issued new safety guidance.
Find Out More...