Spain faces backlash from UK holidaymakers over increasing anti-tourism sentiment

British holidaymakers are being advised to reconsider their travel plans to Spain amidst a surge in anti-tourism sentiment.

Birmingham Live has reported that protests have intensified across the Balearic and Canary Islands. A disgruntled Brit took to Facebook to comment on the situation: "Notably the Spanish aren't slow in taking holiday makers money though."

The unrest comes as activists call for a crackdown on illegal holiday lets and a cap on the number of tourists. They are also campaigning for a reduction in mass tourism.

Read More: 'Bone break fever' symptoms as Brits heading to European hotspots including France and Spain are warned Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter

Another individual suggested on social media: "All UK travel agents should cancel holidays to Spain, Majorca and Tenerife due to non friendly actions against their clients and possible court cases."

A third person pointed out the irony of the protests: "Protests are driven by eco warriors. I presume British people would not want foreign tourists to believe Just Stop Oil protestors?"

Recent demonstrations saw thousands marching against the influx of visitors in the Balearic Islands. Despite tourism making up 45 per cent of the local GDP, residents argue that the rental market is becoming unaffordable due to tourist demand.

Carme Reines, part of a group that organised a demonstration in Palma de Mallorca, expressed her concerns: "We want the authorities to stop people who have not lived here more than five years from buying properties and to put more controls on holiday accommodation."

Adding his voice to the debate, Javier Carbonell, a real estate agent in Mallorca, stated: "We want less mass tourism and more sustainable tourism."

Rafael Gimenez, a spokesperson for Prou Ibiza which organised one of the protests, remarked: "We want a limit on new tourist places and a ban on more illegal flats."

"With fewer flats around on the market, it pushes up the price."

A social media user chimed in with their own recommendation: "Go to Turkey it's very hot in August... cheap to eat and drink and very good value we have been several times and have never had a bad time the locals are friendly to you."

Detailing a memorable experience, they continued: "We went out for a meal one evening and after we had finished we had a coffee and asked for a Brandy with it and they didn't have Brandy and they sent out somebody and he came back with a Bottle of Brandy and gave us a glass each on the house. Give it a go you wont be disappointed."

Another individual expressed their travel plans and perspective: "Going to Tenerife next Saturday and will spend our money locally. We have no control over wages, housing or the building of hotels and accommodation. Ask the locals who have either sold or rented their homes,".