It is true that anti-tourism demonstrations have taken place across Spain this summer but to label the country as anti-tourist would be overly simplistic.
With headlines warning of water gun sharpshooters lurking outside of restaurants or hastily scribbled signs telling holiday makers to stay away being erected on popular beaches, you would be forgiven for believing that Spain was unwelcoming to British holiday makers.
Spain has received more than 42 million international visitors in the first half of this year, an increase on the year before, and whilst frustration exists, the vast majority of travellers of tourists have a demonstration free visit to the country.
Many of the factors behind the protests are out of the control of the average British tourist with local frustrations having more to do with the impacts of global events on things such as house prices than with the behaviour of a small minority.
That said, there are simple measures that brits can take to ensure that they do not contribute to anti-tourist sentiment and leave locals with a positive impression of the impact of tourists.
Hablo Espanol?
The classic stereotype of the pink skinned larger lout ordering “Dos beers, por favor” still exists in some parts of Europe.
Often, a little goes a long way and with the abundance of language apps available on the market for little to no cost, there is no excuse for not knowing simple phrases. Often, knowing simple phrases such as “hello” and “thank you” go a long way to aiding Anglo Spanish relations.
Buy local
The biggest benefit of tourism is the boost it gives to the local economy, if you allow it to. Avoid the Starbucks, don’t shop in the Spar and walk a little further to find the local equivalent.
Often, it will even be cheaper meaning a win for your pocket and a win for local businesses.
Think of the environment
We have all seen the stickers on hotel mirrors and public bathrooms. “Please consider turning the tap off when not using” and “Consider whether your towels can be reused” etc etc.
Spain, like the rest of Europe and many countries across the world is in the midst of record temperatures and drought. If you can avoid contributing to problems that are only going to get worse in the coming years, then do so. A little can often go a long way.
Reduce noise pollution
Respect for the environment should extend towards noise pollution. One of the anti-tourist campaigner’s biggest gripes is the noise caused by tourists in largely residential areas, used by visitors more thanks to the rise of sites such as Airbnb.
There is very rarely a need to sing in the streets in the middle of the night, regardless of what country you’re in. Consider your volume and impact on locals and if you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it aborad.
Keep up appearances
The things you can get away with in Benidorm and Magaluf are not the things you can get away with elsewhere (often you can’t really get away with them there).
Dress appropriate to your surroundings and have respect for local customs. Swimwear is not permitted in all places and if you wouldn’t wear something to walk past a British school, consider whether it is appropriate to wear it close to a Spanish school.