Dangerous island bids for UK tourists amid Spanish protests

Socotra Island is more than 200 miles off the coast of mainland Yemen
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


A 'unique' island was bidding for UK holidaymakers amid a growing anti-tourism sentiment in parts of Spain. Protests have been planned across the Canary Islands for later this month, while 'tourists go home' graffiti has appeared across Spain and the Balearic Islands.

However the Socotra Archipelago, located 200 miles off the coast of mainland Yemen, remained open to tourism, despite being in one of the world's most 'dangerous' countries. The beautiful island was the largest of the four within the area, standing on coral banks in the Indian Ocean.

It's designated as a world heritage site due to having plants and wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else. A dragon blood tree is one species native to the island, while there were also unique coral reefs, home to more than 700 species of coastal fish.

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But The Express reports that the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently warns against travel to Yemen, which along with Somalia and Afghanistan, was often considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world. It currently advises against all travel to Yemen, and encourages any UK citizens currently there to leave immediately.

The official advice includes Socotra Island, but due to its distance from mainland Yemen, travel operators consider it far removed from the conflict. Tour operator Socotra Island Expeditions described the archipelago as “a benign security environment” which hadnot seen any acts of violence towards foreigners in recent years.

For those considering a trip, current travel advice means flight availability was low, and people may struggle to find a travel insurance provider willing to cover a trip to the region. Travellers would also need to secure an appropriate visa before arrival.