Don’t want Britons? Spain warned tourism may crash because of Egypt and Turkey

Experts’ warnings come following a summer of protests against tourism across Spain. 

However, the demand for trips to Egypt and Turkey has increased because of the cheap prices compared to the European Union (EU) hot spots such as Spain. 

Tourism in EU countries fell as a result of terror attacks, however commercial real estate agents Christie & Co said markets are beginning to pick up. 

Consultant at Christie & Co Xavier Batile said: “They are still not in previous levels, but they have recovered 3.5 million travellers, mainly from France and Italy, thanks to the absence of terrorism.”

General Director for Spain and Portugal at the agents Inmaculada Ranera said: “Hoteliers are doing well and renovating their establishments in recent years.”

Mr Ranera said the Balearics will not be able to compete on prices with Turkey and Egypt or any other tourist markets that emerge in the future. 

In the summer, thousands took to the streets in Majorca holding placards protesting tourism, reading messages such as “tourists go home”.

During the first half of this year, British visitors spent £6.82billion in Spain. 

According to the Institute of Social Studies, more than half of the residents of the Balearic Islands think the arrival of tourists in the summer is excessive, despite the economic benefits. 

In Menorca, 39 per cent of those interviewed said the arrival of tourists was excessive, 56 per cent in Ibiza, 51.4 per cent for Mallorca and 63 per cent in Palma.

The main problems locals take issue with are too many cars, too many people, water quality, dirt and deteriorating beaches.

In September, Thomas Cook’s chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, said: “We are not a security company; as long as we have the advice of the Foreign Office that we can fly to Egypt and Turkey, we offer a great product.”

In 2017 up to August, more than 13.2 million British visits were made to Spain – far more than the second highest of France, with 8.4 million.