Barcelona Faces Tourism Slump as British Travellers Abandon Spain for Alternative Destinations

Published on September 7, 2025

Spain, long regarded as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, is now experiencing a troubling decline in tourist numbers. Once a vibrant hub for international visitors, Barcelona, in particular, has seen a significant dip in the number of tourists this year, especially from the United Kingdom. The city’s streets, which were once teeming with holidaymakers, are now disturbingly quiet, leaving many wondering if Spain’s tourism industry is facing a longer-term crisis.

This decline in tourism is not only visible in the empty streets but also in the quieter beaches and the dwindling crowds at popular attractions. Once known for its bustling tourist hotspots, Barcelona is now a city in transition, with business owners, workers, and residents grappling with the effects of fewer visitors.

A Drastic Change to the Tourism Scene

Just one year ago, Barcelona’s beaches and city centre would have been filled with tourists, particularly during the summer months. Streets that were previously packed with people strolling or enjoying the local sights have now been replaced by a more subdued atmosphere, prompting concern among both local businesses and the tourism sector.

The effects are immediate and visible: restaurant patios, once filled with customers enjoying tapas or paella, now sit vacant. Popular tourist attractions that normally draw crowds, such as the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell, have seen a marked decrease in visitors. Even local shops that thrive on selling souvenirs to tourists have reported a significant reduction in foot traffic.

The general consensus is that spending is down, with tourists spending less on shopping, dining, and entertainment than they did in previous years. The tourism industry, which once formed the backbone of Barcelona’s economy, is now beginning to feel the strain of this downturn. For many businesses, this slowdown is turning into a real threat, as the financial impact of declining numbers becomes more pronounced.

Business Impact: Local Economies Are Suffering

The decrease in tourism has had a ripple effect on the local economy. Small businesses, especially those that rely heavily on foreign visitors, are now facing a real challenge. From hotels and restaurants to tour companies and local vendors, many businesses are bracing themselves for even more difficult times ahead. As tourist numbers continue to drop, businesses are starting to close their doors, unable to withstand the financial pressures of operating in a slower market.

The tourism sector, which is an essential contributor to the city’s economy, is particularly vulnerable. Spain’s tourism industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, from tour guides and hospitality workers to those in retail and transportation. The decline in visitor numbers means these workers are now facing job insecurity, as companies struggle to stay afloat with fewer customers.

One troubling observation is that smaller, local businesses, such as family-run cafes and boutique shops, are most at risk of closure. These businesses are often less equipped to deal with economic downturns compared to larger hotel chains or multinational restaurant chains, leaving them at a disadvantage.

The broader effects are already being felt. As one observer put it, many local communities could soon face even more severe economic challenges if the current trend continues. Without an influx of tourists, towns that depend on tourism for employment and growth may struggle to recover.

Benidorm: A Ghost Town in Summer

Even other popular destinations, such as Benidorm, have not been spared. Known for its year-round tourism, especially from British travellers, Benidorm’s usually packed streets and beaches have also seen an unusual drop in visitors. In August, the typically bustling coastal town was eerily quiet, with empty tables at restaurants and deserted stretches of sand.

The stark contrast between the pre-pandemic tourism boom and the current state of Benidorm highlights the growing challenges facing Spain’s tourism sector. Many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and nightlife industries, are now grappling with the loss of their core customer base. As one local industry leader explained, the tourists that Spain wants to attract are now choosing to visit other destinations, where they feel more welcome and less impacted by anti-tourism sentiment.

Tour Guides and Excursions Are Also Feeling the Effects

Tour guides, another key part of Spain’s tourism infrastructure, are also feeling the impact of this downturn. According to industry reports, bookings for guided tours have dropped by as much as 20% this summer. For those who rely on tourists for their livelihoods, this decline has been significant. Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides, explained that the negative media coverage surrounding protests and anti-tourism rhetoric has contributed to tourists rethinking their travel plans.

With fewer tourists coming to Spain, many guides are facing uncertainty, with fewer opportunities to work. Excursions, which typically provide a rich cultural experience for travellers, have seen declining numbers, and tour operators are now having to adjust their business models to stay afloat. The concern is that this pattern will continue unless something is done to change the current perception of Spain as a destination.

What’s Behind the Decline?

The root causes of Spain’s tourism slump are multifaceted. A combination of factors, including political protests, rising anti-tourism sentiment, and increasing concerns about overcrowding, has led to a shift in how tourists view the country. Over the past few years, Spain has experienced a growing number of protests against tourism, particularly in major cities like Barcelona. These demonstrations, often fuelled by concerns over the negative impacts of mass tourism, have created a sense of discomfort among tourists who feel unwelcome or concerned about the pressures placed on local communities.

While some visitors continue to flock to Spain’s iconic destinations, the overall trend seems to point towards a decline in interest. The recent economic instability in the country, along with ongoing concerns about over-tourism, have left many travellers questioning whether Spain remains the ideal holiday destination it once was.

The Road Ahead for Spain’s Tourism Industry

Despite the challenges, Spain’s tourism industry is not beyond repair. However, it will require concerted efforts from both local authorities and the tourism sector to address the underlying issues. A focus on sustainable tourism practices, better management of tourist numbers, and improved relations with local communities will be crucial to restoring Spain’s reputation as a top global destination.

In the longer term, Spain will need to balance the needs of its local residents with those of the tourism industry to prevent further erosion of the sector. By promoting responsible tourism and taking steps to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably, Spain may be able to reverse this troubling trend and regain its place as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations.

A Critical Need for Countries to Manage their Tourism Industries

The decline of British tourists to Spain highlights a critical need for countries to manage their tourism industries more sustainably. With fewer tourists visiting Barcelona and other once-popular spots, Spain’s tourism sector is facing a crisis.

To address these challenges, Spain must take action to ensure that both local communities and visitors feel valued and welcome, while also ensuring that tourism remains a vital part of the country’s economy. Only through careful planning and policy adjustments can Spain hope to recover and thrive in the competitive global tourism market once again.