Jet2’s CEO has slammed the anti-tourism sentiment that continues to run rife in Spain – warning that tourists will simply opt for other locations.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, has issued an alert to Brits headed for the Canary Islands in the coming months, while also hitting out at those making tourists feel “uncwelcome.”
He said: “Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome.
“People don’t come to the Canaries to be mistreated or to witness protests.”
He warned that the actions of protestors “tarnish the region’s image” and are “pushing tourists toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco, where they feel valued.”
He said: “Not everyone is rich, and many tourists simply want an affordable and relaxing holiday. If they feel unwanted, they’ll look elsewhere.”
Mr Heapy addressed the town of Mogan on the Canary Islands, where a tourist tax has been introduced.
A €0.15 (£0.13) per person per day fee applies for visitors staying in hotels, apartments, and holiday homes.
Mr Heapy said that this tax could set a “dangerous precedent” and potentially deter tourists from visiting in the future.
He said: “Rising taxes drive up the overall cost of holidays, reducing demand. While Mogan’s tax is small, it sets a dangerous precedent.
“Governments need to enforce existing regulations and focus on controlling illegal rentals rather than penalising compliant operators.
“They should also work with airlines and tour operators to promote the Canary Islands in key markets like the UK.”
His comments come after anti-tourism protests have been held in a number of holiday hotspots in Spain.
Last year, one protest in Majorca saw approximately 10,000 people take to the streets.
In Barcelona, one incident went viral when campaigners started spraying tourists with water pistols while they were eating at a restaurant.
In October, a huge 30,000 people took to the streets across the Canary Islands.
Many locals feel they are being priced out of the property market as Airbnbs and holiday rentals drive up costs.
But tourism also accounts for 35% of the Canary Islands’ GDP, according to Statista.