Holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer could face higher costs as the country grapples with escalating anti-tourism protests, Jet2’s chief executive has warned.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Spanish Embassy in London, Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy expressed concern over the possible increase in tourist taxes in response to ongoing tensions in popular holiday destinations.
Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, is facing growing unrest in areas where locals claim the influx of tourists is harming communities, driving up housing costs, and straining public services.
Officials Divided on Tourism Tax
During the same event, Salou Mayor Pere Granados defended the existing €1-per-day tourist tax in his region, describing it as a fair system.
“Tourists pay tax just as residents do. If I come to London, I generate waste,” Granados said, suggesting that visitors should contribute to the maintenance of local infrastructure.
In contrast, Benidorm Mayor Antonio Pérez warned that such levies could alienate tourists.
“I’m against a tourist tax because it stigmatizes visitors as the ones who are preventing us from having better services,” Pérez said. “We need to be the best place to live, but also the best place to visit.”
Rising Tensions Across Tourist Hotspots
Despite the economic value of tourism, frustration among Spanish residents has boiled over in recent months. Demonstrations have intensified in regions like the Canary Islands, Catalonia, and the Balearics.
In Tenerife, one protest sign sparked outrage with the words “Kill a Tourist,” while reports have emerged of rental cars—often associated with tourists—being vandalized or set on fire.
Barcelona also saw high-profile disruptions in March, when activists blocked and sprayed a sightseeing bus with water near the Sagrada Familia, prompting police intervention.
Similar protests occurred in the northern city of Gijón and are expected to continue across major tourist destinations ahead of the summer season.
Industry Fears Over Long-Term Impact
While tourism remains vital to Spain’s economy, industry leaders fear that continued unrest and rising costs could deter future travellers.
Jet2, one of the UK’s leading tour operators, has a significant presence in Spain’s tourism market. The airline’s concerns highlight broader anxieties within the travel sector about how anti-tourism sentiment might reshape policies and pricing.
Despite the tensions, interest in Spanish holidays remains high, with summer bookings holding steady. However, Heapy warned that further increases in tourist taxes could eventually affect demand.
As the tourism debate unfolds, Spanish officials and industry leaders continue to search for a balance between economic growth and sustainable tourism practices that respect local communities.
