Friday, November 8, 2024 In a surprising twist for the tourism industry, the region of Andalusia in southeastern Spain has witnessed an unexpected surge in British tourism, even as anti-tourism protests sought to curb the region’s booming visitor numbers earlier this year. Despite demonstrations aimed at addressing the effects of overtourism on local life, British visitors have continued to flock to Andalusia’s renowned beaches, cultural cities, and sunny climate. Far from deterring tourism, recent data suggests that both visitor numbers and spending have sharply increased, with British tourists contributing substantially to the local economy.
According to Yolanda Aguilar, Andalusia’s secretary general for tourism, the region has not only rebounded from the pandemic but is now experiencing levels of British tourism that surpass pre-pandemic figures. Aguilar highlighted that British tourists have explored 10% more municipalities this year than in previous years, indicating a spread of visitors beyond the region’s more famous sites to lesser-known towns and villages. This expansion in reach suggests that British travelers are interested in exploring more of Andalusia’s rich cultural and natural landscape, from its coastal resorts to its historic inland towns.
In addition to an increase in destinations visited, Aguilar reported a significant 40% increase in spending by British tourists compared to previous years. This increase in expenditure reflects a shift in the typ.