Now Benidorm tourist chiefs fear anti-tourist protests will spread to the Costa ... trends now
Benidorm tourist chiefs fear that anti-tourist protests will spread to Costa Blanca after 50,000 people marched against holidaymakers in the Canary Islands.
Fede Fuster, head of local hotel association HOSBEC, said last Saturday's demonstrations across the Atlantic archipelago and ongoing actions by campaigners including a hunger strike showed there were serious problems that needed to be addressed.
He said in a speech to associate members yesterday, at its General Assembly held in the Costa Blanca resort of Altea near Benidorm: 'We watched with concern how people in the Canary Islands protested a few days ago against the 'negative' effects of tourism.
'This is serious, it should worry us and occupy our minds. The delicate balance between tourists and residents that we have been able to maintain for decades has been broken.'
People took part in demonstrations last Saturday against mass tourism in the Canary Islands
Fede Fuster (pictured), head of local hotel association HOSBEC, said last Saturday's demonstrations across the Atlantic archipelago and ongoing actions by campaigners including a hunger strike showed there were serious problems that needed to be addressed
The tourist chief went on to insist those pointing the finger at hoteliers were confusing the 'righteous for sinners' in an attack on the expansion of holiday rental homes by claiming: 'The genesis of this virus is called the hotelisation of housing and the digital platforms are its carrier.
'In the last 15 years, this type of accommodation has grown from 4,000 beds to more than 400,000 throughout Spain, far outstripping the supply of regulated accommodation.
'What used to be residential land is now being hotelised for the benefit of a few who, moreover, operate with the most absolute impunity.
'And those who are suffering the consequences are our neighbours, our employees, our families, and all of us who compete fairly.'
Mr Fuster, elected HOSBEC president in December 2022 in place of the former long-time leader Toni Mayor, also had a dig at the Spanish government for not making tourism 'part of its priorities.'
Saying tourism should be seen as a 'source of wealth for society' rather than a threat, he added: 'Tourist destinations are the best showcase for a country that can boast a high standard of living and great potential when it comes to being an example of sustainable planning and development.'
Canary Island natives protesting as they call for a rethink of the island cluster's tourism policies last week
Mr Fuster, elected HOSBEC president in December 2022 in place of the former long-time leader Toni Mayor, also had a dig at the Spanish government for not making tourism 'part of its priorities.' Pictured: Protesters last week
