Spain promises major change to bring more UK tourists in after protests
A Spanish city filled with tourists is reportedly willing to make a major change to bring more in. Amid growing unrest and demonstrations in the European Union, one Spanish city could be set to welcome more British holidaymakers.
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a right-wing regional leader in Madrid who has been tipped to one day become the Spanish Prime Minister, has called on restaurants to open earlier. This year, international tourists are expected to bring the Spanish capital €16bn (£13.4bn) in income, compared with €13bn (£10.9bn) last year.
Ayuso is in talks with restaurateurs to persuade them to change their hours to meet the needs of tourists. “We coined a war cry, welcome tourists,” she told a recent meeting to celebrate Madrid’s gastronomy. “We understand that we also must adapt to those who honour us with their visit and trust us.”
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Ayuso, a libertarian who defied the ruling Socialist government’s strict lockdown during the pandemic and opened restaurants as early as possible, has suggested eateries open from 12pm to 1pm and during the evening from 6pm to 7pm.
“We are not talking about imposing any time on restaurants but simply, within the freedom of restaurant hours, we want to be receptive to the customs of international tourists,” a Madrid regional government spokesman said.
Fabio Peral, 46, part-owner of Amici Restaurant in central Madrid, has welcomed the changes. “This is fabulous. I find that eating at 11pm at night is not healthy. A lot of time tourists go to eat, and the restaurant is closed. We have two waves of eating [in our restaurant]. The tourists come in at 7pm and the Spaniards come in at 9-9.30pm,” he said.
“If they are expanding the hours then it helps me maximise my restaurant. You are catering for both markets. It shows what Ayuso is doing for the city and Madrid and catering for the tourists. We are hosting the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 and the World Cup in 2030."