Over 16.1 million international tourists have flocked to Spain in the first quarter of 2024, but angry anti-tourism locals have had enough and plan to protest on May 24
Spain has just recorded its best first quarter with 16.1 million tourists heading to the country – despite growing local anger.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) has revealed the popular holiday destination saw a 17.7% rise in tourists, compared to the same period in 2023. However, the increase in tourists has left the local community of 160,000 irritated and led to planned protests as they stress the island “can’t take any more”.
Despite recent attempts from the Spanish government to crack down on binge-drinking in areas such as Ibiza, travellers have not been deterred from visiting the country. It comes as no surprise that the United Kingdom made up most of the visitors in the first quarter of 2024, with many Brits heading to the country to enjoy a drinking and party culture.
Now, residents have had enough and are taking action into their own hands by holding a protest scheduled for May 24. Organised by a group called Prou Eivissa, the Ibiza demo fellows numerous protests across the Canary Islands in recent weeks.
Activists want a limit on incoming vehicles to be established as well as incentives for hoteliers to cut capacity. Spokeswoman Jacquie Perry said: “We consider it essential to achieve a balance between residents and tourists. We urge anyone who appreciates a respectful life… to come and make their presence felt so authorities truly feel the pressure that makes us say: Ibiza cannot take any more!”
Environmental groups including the WWF, Greenpeace, Friends of Earth and SEO Birdlife backed last month’s mass Canary Islands protests. In Barcelona and Madrid, protesters also gathered to show their support.
Ibiza attracts 3 million tourists a year, with 800,000 Brits making up the majority. Famed for its party setting and serene sunsets, Ibiza contributes billions a year to the Balearic paradise. Overall, in the first quarter of 2024, 1.2 million Brits visited Spain.
The Canary Islands accounted for 26.7% of total arrivals until March — most likely triggering the protests across the islands. Astonishingly, 24.3% of all arrivals to the country in March 2024, were to the Canary Islands, followed by Catalonia (21.2%) and Andalusia (15.1%), according to INE data.
Spending also increased across the quarter, with tourists splashing a total of €21.948 billion (£18.7 billion) between January and March 2024. According to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, “International tourist arrivals and tourist spending in Spain experienced notable growth in March, marking the end of a historic first quarter of the year for tourism.”
This rise in spending meant that each tourist spent around €1,363 (£1,163) in March, a 7.3% rise from the same period last year. Most people visiting Spain spent the bulk of their cash on activities, accounting for an average of 21% of their total expenditure. Tourists visiting the country for the half-term holidays, especially to Ibiza, are being warned of the protests and the disruption they could cause.
