Friday, August 23, 2024 In a recent development that underscores rising anti-tourism sentiments in southern Spain, a group of British tourists experienced an unsettling incident in Sevilla . This occurred when a local resident reportedly doused them with water from a balcony on Calle Lope de Rueda. The incident, described by the group’s tour guide, Mercedes Miguez, has further fueled concerns about ‘turismofobia’—a term used to denote growing resentment towards tourists.
The affected group, which included around 20 cruisers, had docked in Cadiz and was on a day trip to Sevilla. They had just entered the bustling Santa Cruz neighborhood when the incident occurred. Miguez relayed that the sudden attack left a teenage girl and her parents drenched, with the mother reportedly in tears and deciding to leave immediately.
The Broader Context of Anti-Tourism Sentiments Miguez’s account highlights that this incident is part of a larger pattern of anti-tourism behavior that has reportedly intensified since the pandemic. The guide mentioned that local tourism police and the town hall were promptly involved, and similar incidents had been shared among her colleagues. These experiences are contributing to a growing narrative about the increasing hostility faced by tourists in certain parts of Spain.
Local Response and Industry Impact The reaction from local authorities and tourism professionals indicates a serious concern about the potential impact of such incidents on the touri.